2012 Map of Winters Ranch Reservoir

About this map

Winters Ranch Reservoir serves as a critical focal point for water management in this arid stretch of Elko County. Situated along the course of Chimney Creek, which flows from north to south across the eastern portion of the quadrangle, the reservoir reflects the ranching infrastructure common to the Nevada high desert. The landscape is defined by a network of drainage patterns and intermittent water sources, illustrating the localized scale of water collection necessary for agricultural operations. This 2012 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey documents the sparse but vital development of the region, where the intersection of natural hydrology and man-made reservoirs remains the primary driver of land use and settlement.