A tunnel 6.2 miles (10.0 km) long stretches north from the dam to the power plant, near the state line.

The project was started by Carolina Power & Light and was completed by its affiliate Phoenix Electric Co.

The Carolina Power and Light Company established the community of Waterville at the mountain's northern base, near the confluence of Big Creek and the Pigeon River.

As of 2024 the dam was owned and operated by Duke Energy as an active hydroelectric facility, with a rated capacity of 112 MW.

[3] On September 27, 2024, during an episode of heavy rainfall and severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, the dam was reported by officials in neighbouring Cocke County to have "suffered a catastrophic failure".