The dam does not create a reservoir as its purpose is to regulate water flow along the Qu'Appelle River.

The dam is operated by the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency[2] and can be accessed on the north side by Highway 99.

The total drainage basin of the Qu'Appelle River upstream from the dam is 23,443 km2 (9,051 sq mi) and it is divided into five sub-basins, which include Lanigan-Manitou, Wascana Creek, Last Mountain Lake, Upper Qu'Appelle, and Moose Jaw River.

It is 3.6 m (12 ft) wide and includes seven vertical baffles within the structure that are designed to reduce flow velocities to create refuges for migrating fish.

Some of the fished being monitored include the bigmouth buffalo, common carp, lake whitefish, northern pike, quillback, walleye, white sucker, and yellow perch.