2014 Map of Yellowtail Dam

About this map

Yellowtail Dam anchors this Montana landscape, where the waters of Bighorn Lake are held within the steep walls of Bighorn Canyon. This 2014 survey documents the complex water management and recreation infrastructure of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, from the industrial presence of the dam to the small settlement of Fort Smith. The terrain is defined by dramatic geological features such as Box Canyon and Black Canyon, while the high point at War Man Mtn overlooks the winding course of the Bighorn River. Historic transit routes are preserved in the landscape through labels like the Bozeman Trl, which runs north-south across the high ground. The map also detail local agricultural and transport infrastructure, including the Big Horn Canal, the Fort Smith Landing Strip, and numerous springs that suggest the vital importance of water in this semi-arid environment.