Construction of the rolled earth, impervious core dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944.

The lake is one of sixteen flood control projects administered by the Pittsburgh District of the Army Corps of Engineers.

[2] The dam is 7.3 miles (11.7 km) upstream from the confluence of the East and West branches of the Clarion River.

These releases of the lake waters also improve navigation on the rivers and enhance aquatic life.

The common game species are black bears, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and turkeys.