Communication Network
Resource Distribution
Regional Threat Matrix
Environmental Analysis
Operational Theater Assessment
White Pine County's high desert environment creates a complex operational landscape where geographic advantages and disadvantages shift dramatically with distance from base. The low population density that initially offered protection now presents logistical challenges for resource acquisition and intelligence gathering.
Environmental factors create natural operational windows: extreme daytime temperatures limit infected mobility but also constrain human operations. Clear desert nights offer excellent visibility but sound carries for miles, potentially attracting threats from great distances. Water scarcity makes every source a strategic asset worth defending.
Current intelligence indicates a degrading communication network beyond 15 miles, with most settlements going dark by Day 16. Each expedition beyond safe zones represents a calculated risk where potential resource gains must be weighed against the irreplaceable loss of personnel and equipment.
Useful Resources
Comins Lake
Description
680-acre reservoir created by damming Steptoe Creek in 1962. Maximum depth 50 feet. Elevation 6,216 feet. Nevada trophy trout fishery.
Current Status
Water source secured daily by park patrols. Ice fishing equipment abandoned on north shore. No hostile contact in 14 days.
Access Points
Main boat ramp on east shore operational. Cave Valley Road provides direct vehicle access. Multiple dirt roads circle portions of lake.
Resources Confirmed
Stocked rainbow and brown trout population. Day use facilities with vault toilets. No water treatment - requires filtration.
Strategic Resources
Desert Bloom Farm & Greenhouse
Pre-Outbreak
Established 2013 for park's farm-to-table operations. Three climate-controlled greenhouses, hydroponic systems, heritage chickens. Young California couple running sustainable desert agriculture.
Current Status
Primary salvage completed Day 12 - greenhouses completely dismantled. Solar panels, batteries, and charge controllers removed. Chicken flock taken or scattered. Bare concrete pads where greenhouses stood. Main house and outbuildings remain but partially stripped.
Remaining Infrastructure
House still standing - furniture too bulky to move on first pass. Kitchen appliances present but no power. Tool shed mostly cleared of hand tools. Root cellar intact. Buried irrigation lines throughout property.
Secondary Value
Copper wiring in walls. Plumbing fixtures and PVC. Window glass. Insulation. Doors and hinges. Potential fallback shelter - less secure than park, but has walls and a roof. Well head visible but pump condition unknown.
Remaining Resources
Abandoned Homestead
Structure Assessment
1940s ranch house with barn and workshop outbuildings. Root cellar entrance on north side. Elevated position with 360-degree sight lines.
Current Status
Confirmed empty Day 5 reconnaissance. Doors locked, windows intact. No signs of violence or rapid departure. Dust accumulation suggests weeks abandoned.
Resources Verified
Hand-pump well tested functional. Solar panel array (est. 5kW) on roof. 500-gallon propane tank reads 60% full. Fruit trees on south property.
Tactical Value
Overlooks approach roads from elevated position. Workshop has tools visible through window. Root cellar suitable for storage or emergency shelter.
Strategic Resources
Cave Lake State Park
Description
32-acre mountain reservoir with camping. State park with facilities. Elevation 7,300 feet.
Resources
Campground, boat ramp, fishing. Year-round water source at high elevation.
Desert Vista Ranch
Pre-Outbreak
Martinez family cattle operation spanning 2,000 acres. Family of 6 plus 2 ranch hands. Large herd, modern equipment.
Current Status
Smoke observed from ranch buildings on Day 15. No radio contact since outbreak. Martinez family fate unknown.
Strategic Resources
Ely
Description
White Pine County seat. Population 3,900. Hospital, courthouse, sheriff's department.
Key Locations
Hotel Nevada, Prospector Hotel & Casino, Jailhouse Casino, Valley's Market, MT's Garage, Ridley's Family Markets, Young's RV, multiple gas stations, William Bee Ririe Hospital, White Pine County Courthouse.
Strategic Resources
Coyote Springs Truck Stop
Pre-Outbreak
Highway fuel stop with convenience store and garage at Highway 50 junction. Strategic location for controlling east-west traffic.
Current Status
Heavily barricaded with clear defensive positions. Signs of organized activity. Unknown occupants - could be staff, travelers, raiders, or military.
Strategic Resources
East Ely
Description
Historic railroad district with Nevada Northern Railway. Museum and historic depot.
Key Locations
All Aboard Café, Nevada Northern Railway Museum.
Ely Airport (Yelland Field)
Description
Regional airport with 6,037ft runway. AvGas and Jet-A fuel. Elevation 6,259 feet.
Resources
Runway suitable for most aircraft. Aviation fuel storage. Potential for aerial reconnaissance or evacuation.
Ruth Mine
Description
Historic copper mining operation connected to Robinson Mine. Industrial facilities.
Ruth
Description
Company town for Robinson Mine. Population 400. Many vacant houses. Mining company offices.
Key Location
Robinson Nevada Mining Company offices.
Ward Mountain Recreation Area
Description
Mountain recreation area with camping and hiking. Seasonal access. High elevation defensive position.
Robinson Mine (Ruth Pit)
Description
Massive open-pit copper mine. 1,600 feet deep. 450 employees pre-outbreak.
Resources
Heavy mining equipment, explosives storage, industrial facilities, diesel depot.
Ridgeline Copper Mine
Pre-Outbreak
Active open-pit copper mining operation employing 45 workers. 24-hour operations with heavy equipment and explosives storage.
Current Status
Abandoned vehicles at base of access road. Mine status unknown. Explosives storage particularly concerning.
Strategic Resources
Steptoe Creek Forest Service Station
Pre-Outbreak
Fire lookout station with 4-man crew on elevated terrain. Radio relay station for forest service communications.
Current Status
Tower appears abandoned, no radio response. Four-man crew's fate unknown - could have evacuated or joined other groups.
Strategic Resources
Highway 50 Junction
Strategic Importance
Major intersection controlling cross-Nevada traffic flow. Large truck stop facility with extensive fuel storage.
Current Status
Complete information blackout. Could be operational, abandoned, or controlled by hostile forces.
Strategic Resources
Lane City Ghost Town
Description
Former mining town west of Ely. 1860s-1890s era. Some foundations remain.
Cherry Creek Ghost Town
Description
1870s silver and gold mining town. Some buildings remain. Historic cemetery.
Features
Founded 1872. Stone ruins and foundations. Cemetery with historic graves.
Ridgeview Mobile Home Park
Pre-Outbreak
Community of 120 retirees living in 80 mobile homes with shared community center and central well system.
Current Status
Day 8 radio contact: "some got out, heading for hills." Southern section appears compromised. Fate of 120 retirees unknown.
Strategic Resources
Ward Charcoal Ovens
Description
Six 30-foot beehive charcoal ovens from 1876. State historic park.
Features
Built 1876. 30 feet tall. State historic site. Defensible stone structures.
Connors Pass
Description
Highway 50 mountain pass at 7,729 feet elevation. Strategic chokepoint.
Pine Creek Ranch
Pre-Outbreak
Large 5,000-acre cattle ranch with 15 employees plus ranch family. Well-armed personnel including military veterans.
Current Status
Last radio contact Day 12: "holding position, staying put." Complete silence since. Could be fortified, overrun, or abandoned.
Strategic Resources
McGill
Description
Former smelter town. Population 1,000. Swimming pool complex.
Key Locations
McGill Drug Store, McGill Swimming Pool, Valley View Sinclair.
Old Mine Road Ghost Town
Pre-Outbreak
1880s silver mining town. 3 caretaker families. Steam stamp mill remains.
Current Status
Access road blocked. Status of caretakers unknown.
Strategic Resources
National Guard Depot (Rumored)
Description
Rumored military supply depot. Location uncertain.
Status
Unconfirmed. Potential military supplies if real.
Potential Resources
Preston Big Springs
Description
Natural hot springs complex. Temperature 85-95°F. Primitive facilities.
Features
Year-round warm water. Remote location. Natural thermal resource.
Lund
Description
Agricultural settlement on US 93. Population 250.
Features
Highway 93 location. Agricultural community. Ranching support.
Silver Creek
Pre-Outbreak Population
8,400 residents. Government center with county courthouse, sheriff's department, 120-bed jail facility.
Current Status
Last contact Day 16 emergency broadcast, then complete silence. Status completely unknown.
Strategic Resources
Baker
Description
Utah border town. Gateway to Great Basin NP. Population 70.
Key Locations
T&D Country Store, Border Inn.
Great Basin National Park
Description
77,000 acres. Lehman Caves. Wheeler Peak (13,063 feet).
Features
Remote location, defensible terrain, natural water sources, ranger facilities.
Wheeler Peak
Description
Highest peak in Great Basin NP. 13,063 feet elevation.
Great Basin Ranch
Description
Ranch near Great Basin National Park. Cattle operation.
Towns & Settlements
Ghost Towns
Water Sources
Mines
Geographic Features
Ranches
Reno-Carson City Corridor
Pre-Outbreak Population
650,000+ residents. State capital with extensive government resources, major university, medical centers.
Current Status
Presumed overrun. No communication since Day 4. Massive infected population likely.
Strategic Assets
Las Vegas Metropolitan
Pre-Outbreak Population
2.2 million residents. Major military installations including Nellis AFB. Hoover Dam power generation.
Current Status
Complete communication blackout since Day 2. Total collapse confirmed. Too far for practical expeditions.
Strategic Assets
Salt Lake City Metropolitan
Pre-Outbreak Population
1.2 million residents. Major medical facilities, distribution hubs, Hill Air Force Base.
Current Status
No contact since Day 5. Status unknown. Too distant for reconnaissance.
Strategic Assets
Strategic Assessment Summary
Every location beyond Obsidian Hill represents a critical decision that could determine the community's survival. The Nevada desert offers both opportunities and threats in equal measure. Resources are scattered across vast distances, protected by natural barriers, hostile humans, and infected populations.
Within this harsh landscape lie the keys to long-term survival: fuel, equipment, livestock, and the knowledge needed to rebuild civilization. The question isn't whether to venture out - it's which risks are worth taking, and which opportunities justify the potential cost in lives.
Current intelligence indicates a narrowing window of opportunity. Every day that passes sees resources consumed, equipment failing, and potentially hostile groups consolidating control over key assets. Speed must be balanced against caution - rushed missions fail, but hesitation may mean arriving too late.
PRIORITY ALPHA :: IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
Desert Bloom Farm & Greenhouse
Mission Urgency
CRITICAL - Every day delayed risks loss of hydroponic systems, seed stocks, and surviving livestock. Greenhouses visible but no movement in 14 days.
Risk Assessment
LOW-MEDIUM - Close proximity allows rapid extraction if hostile. Young couple may have survived, could be allies or threats.
Critical Assets
Abandoned Homestead
Mission Urgency
HIGH - Confirmed empty on Day 5. Perfect fallback position if park compromised. Hand-pump well and solar intact.
Risk Assessment
MINIMAL - Already scouted and secured. Could establish as forward outpost immediately.
Immediate Value
Steptoe Creek Forest Service Station
Mission Urgency
HIGH - Fire lookout tower with radio equipment could restore regional communications. 4WD vehicles likely present.
Risk Assessment
MEDIUM - Elevated position means good defense but also high visibility. Unknown if 4-man crew present.
Communications Assets
PRIORITY BETA :: HIGH VALUE, CALCULATED RISK
Desert Vista Ranch (Martinez)
Intelligence
Smoke observed Day 15 - signs of life. Martinez family (6) plus 2 hands. 200 cattle, horses, extensive equipment.
Approach Strategy
DIPLOMATIC FIRST - Family operation may welcome trade/alliance. Send small, non-threatening recon team.
Massive Resources
Coyote Springs Truck Stop
Intelligence
Heavily barricaded with defensive positions. CB radio active. 14,000 gallons fuel confirmed. Occupants unknown.
Tactical Concerns
FORTIFIED - Clear signs of organized defense. Could be military, militia, or organized survivors.
Fuel Depot
Ely Township
Intelligence
Population 3,900. Status unknown. Hospital, sheriff's office, multiple markets. No contact since Day 3.
Risk Analysis
EXTREME - Urban area likely overrun or controlled by organized groups. Approach requires significant force.
Urban Resources
PRIORITY GAMMA :: MEDIUM-TERM STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Robinson Mine / Ruth Complex
Strategic Value
Massive industrial complex. Heavy equipment, explosives, diesel depot. 450 workers pre-outbreak.
Operational Challenges
Company town Ruth (pop 400) likely refugee center. Industrial hazards, possible contamination.
Industrial Power
Pine Creek Ranch
Last Contact
Day 12: "holding position, staying put." Military veterans on staff. 5,000 acres, 800 cattle.
Assessment
Likely fortified survivor enclave. Could be valuable allies or hostile to outsiders.
Massive Operation
Highway 50 Junction
Strategic Importance
Controls east-west traffic flow. Major truck stop with fuel storage. Complete information blackout.
Intelligence Gap
No reconnaissance possible yet. Could be abandoned goldmine or hostile-controlled checkpoint.
Control Point
PRIORITY DELTA :: LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PLANNING
Silver Creek
Pre-Outbreak
Population 8,400. Hospital, National Guard armory, government center. Last contact Day 16.
Strategic Value
If any organized government remains, it would be here. Massive resources but likely heavily contested.
Regional Resources
National Guard Depot (Rumored)
Intelligence
Multiple sources reference military supply depot. Location uncertain. May be disinformation.
If Real
Military weapons, vehicles, communications equipment, MREs, medical supplies. Game-changing resources.
Potential Assets
Great Basin National Park
Strategic Value
77,000 acres of defensible wilderness. Lehman Caves for shelter. Wheeler Peak at 13,063 feet.
Long-term Potential
Ultimate fallback position if all else fails. Natural water, game, isolation. Ranger facilities.
Natural Fortress
Operational Recommendations
IMMEDIATE (Next 24-48 Hours):
1. Secure Abandoned Homestead as forward operating base
2. Reconnaissance mission to Desert Bloom Farm - approach with caution but hope for peaceful contact
3. Establish observation post to monitor approaches from Ely
SHORT-TERM (Next 7 Days):
1. Attempt contact with Desert Vista Ranch - diplomatic approach
2. Scout Steptoe Creek Forest Service Station for communications equipment
3. Establish fuel rationing and begin planning for Coyote Springs operation
MEDIUM-TERM (Next 30 Days):
1. Consolidate control over immediate 5-mile radius
2. Establish trade/alliance network with surviving ranches
3. Plan coordinated expedition to secure fuel reserves
4. Begin agricultural operations using Desert Bloom resources
LONG-TERM (Beyond 30 Days):
1. Expand secure zone to 15-mile radius
2. Establish communication network with other survivor groups
3. Create sustainable food production system
4. Plan for winter preparations and long-term community building