[1] Construction by the United States Army Corps of Engineers started in 1974, and flooding began in 1983.

The dam is located on the Salt River, and it is estimated that it has prevented more than $30.5 million in flood damages since it became operational.

Its reservoir has a normal surface area of 4.8 square miles (12 km2) and a maximum capacity of 291,670 acre-feet.

[2] The lake's water is murky year round and contains a large amount of silt washed down from agricultural runoff up river.

Blue herons are a common sight feeding upon the lake's ample supply of shad.