3. Outlet Channel 



Construction of an outlet channel was the third step in the devel- 

 opment proi^rani. The channel was needed to drain off excess water 

 and to control the main lake at an operating elevation approximately 

 seven feet lower than the flood elevation. This was a major undertaking. 



The con.struction of this outlet channel at Freezeout Lake was 

 practi:ally completed l?y the end of this biennium. Actual earth excava- 

 tion was begun at tlie Teton River end of the channel, on August 6, 

 1953. On July 1, 1955, the flow of water was started from the main 

 lake. The channel now extends eight miles north from Freezout L ake 

 to the Teton River. The Freezout end of the channel has been repeat- 

 edly extended into the lake, as the lake is lowered. Progress toward 

 final completion of the channel has been governed by the rate the 

 main lake drains. 



4. Dikes and Ponds 



Approximatelj' eight miles of low, earth dikes have been con- 

 structed at Freezeout Lake. Nearly half of this was accomplished by 

 ulilizin^r tile s;)oil l;anks of the outlet channel. The eigiit miles of 

 dikes represents considerably more than one-half of tlie total '.o be 

 constructed on the area. Most of the dikes will have a 5:1 side slope 

 on the pond side and are being furnished witli control structures to 

 facilitate water level management in each pond. Water deptli at the 

 dikes averages about two feet. 



A number of islands are being constructed while the pond are's 

 are dry. These wili provide ideal nesting areas and are especially needed 

 for Canada Goose nesting. 



' 413,11 ' .>S>^n— 



\> 



*- L- 



S' 



Freezeout Lake is ajti important key as a nesting and resting area for thousands of snow 



geese and other waterfowl 



5. Mara];ement 



Tile objective of management at b>eezeout is to obtain maximum 

 wildlife use from eacli project area. Tiiis necessitates de\clopment 

 designed to provide tiie best in food, nesting cover and brooding areas. 

 This in turn will provide good hunting cover. 



I'reezeout Lake was limited in value in its undeveloiied state because 

 little marsh vegetation could establish itself in tlic exjianding, uncon- 

 trolled, wind-swept waters. Nesting cover on tlie land surrounding 

 the lake had been reduced by over-grazing and was a liinit'r.g factor 

 in waterfowl production. These conditions will lie overcome through 



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