Mid 1950's
1998

Side by side comparison
Map
Data Sheet
COMB RIDGE
General Description: This site is approximately .6 mile southwest of
Sweet Springs. The view is southeast across public land administered by the
Bureau of Land Management. Without foreground indicators it was difficult to
match the exact location, but the retake is within 100 feet of the original
photopoint.
Soils: Soils here are classified as Mivida, a deep (over 60 inches) fine
sandy loam with a moderately low or moderate water supplying capability.
Precipitation: Average annual precipitation is 6 to 8 inches.
Legal Description: SW1/4NE1/4 Section 26 T.39S., R.20E.
COMPARISON: Shrub species, fourwing saltbush and shadscale appear to have
similar characteristics such as frequency and ground cover in both the 1950s and
1998 images. However, grass and forb species including curlygrass, Indian
ricegrass and globemallow have increased significantly in frequency and
groundcover. Other plants present are snakeweed, cheatgrass and Russian thistle.
This site is still grazed by cattle.
Original:
Date: ca. Mid 1950s (- A)
Photographer: Kent Frost
Source: San Juan County Historical Commission
Photograph Number: San Juan County Historical Commission No. 22719
Retake:
Date: July 21, 1998 (- B)
Photographer: Earl Hindley
Source: San Juan County