The dam was constructed between 1947 and 1955 with the primary purpose of hydroelectric power production.

The dam's power station is located about 4.4 km (2.7 mi) to the southeast near Jablanica and discharges back into the Neretva River.

The difference in elevation between the reservoir and power station affords a hydraulic head (water drop) of 111 m (364 ft).

[1] The dam is 85 m (279 ft) tall and creates Jablanica lake.

The dam and power station are owned and operated by Elektroprivreda Bosne i Hercegovine.