Its purpose was to regulate the flow of water in the Toulnustouc River that powers the downstream Manic-2, Manic-1 and older McCormick hydroelectric plants.

[3] Before the new dam was built, Lake Sainte-Anne reached its maximum level of 301.75 metres (990.0 ft) in spring, and remained this size during summer.

[4] A new dam and dyke were built for the Toulnustouc hydroelectric project to enlarge the existing Lac-Sainte-Anne reservoir.

[2] A tunnel was built from the end of the south dyke to carry water to the hydroelectric plant, which is just below PK55 on the river.

Smaller mammals such as hare, porcupine, squirrel, marten, otter and beaver moved about normally to avoid the rising water and found refuge in the forest around the edge of the reservoir.

[7] Flow between the dam and spillway was cut off for five days, then resumed at a reduced rate of 3 cubic metres per second (110 cu ft/s) in this section.

[8] Fish samples were made in 2005, 2007 and 2009, with notes of the length, weight, possible abnormalities and parasites, particularly brook trout.