[2] It is a part of the Waitaki River Hydroelectric System, a scheme which supplies 30% of New Zealand's considerable amount of hydropower.

On the southern side of the valley (Otago side), the dam is founded on tertiary sedimentary rock, an consists of a 457 metres (1,499 ft) long zoned embankment (earth) dam.

The net hydraulic head is 37 metres (121 ft), with the penstocks (water pipes leading to the turbines) being the largest diameter in New Zealand at the time of construction, at 7 metres (23 ft) diameter each.

[4] In the mid 2000's (decade), work was undertaken to enhance the dam and its appurtenant structures against the effects of earthquake loads, and to reduce the risk of overtopping resulting from earthquake-induced seiche waves in Lake Aviemore, in the event of rupture of the Waitangi Fault.

The analysis and safety evaluation of the dam, and design of enhancements was led by URS Consultants, who received an ACENZ Innovate NZ Silver Award for their safety evaluation and upgrade.