The Tryweryn flooding forcibly removed residents of the village of Capel Celyn despite popular and political opposition in Wales.

The resulting graffiti "Cofiwch Dryweryn" ("Remember Tryweryn") near Llanrhystud became and remains a popular icon of Welsh feeling.

The natural whitewater rapids of the upper section of Afon Tryweryn have been modified (by placing boulders along the river bed) to make them safer and to build playspots.

The regular releases from Llyn Celyn in summer mean that kayak events and trips can be planned in advance, and commercial rafting can take place.

In August 2004, John Prescott, deputy prime minister, was on a rafting trip on Afon Tryweryn and helped to aid a kayaker who had been injured.