Authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, Conemaugh River Lake is one of 16 flood damage reduction projects in the Pittsburgh District. Conemaugh Dam provides flood protection for the lower Conemaugh Valley, the Kiskiminetas Valley, the lower Allegheny Valley, and the upper Ohio River Valley. Since its completion in 1952, the project has prevented more than $582 million in flood damages. In June 1972, when the tropic storm Agnes struck the area, this project alone prevented $2.4 billion in flood damage. These flood control benefits were the greatest ever realized by a project in the Pittsburgh District. The dam was able to prevent four feet of flood waters from reaching Point State Park in Pittsburgh. To implement the production of hydroelectric power at the dam, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission issued a license to the Borough of Saltsburg, in association with PA Renewable Resources Associates, for the construction of a plant 1,200 feet downstream from the dam. This plant produces 16 megawatts of energy from two turbine generator units.

At the dam, visitors will find picnic pavilions, an extensive playground with a volleyball court and basketball court, nature trails, an outdoor fitness center, and an information center. Pavilions can be rented from April through October at Recreation.gov. The information center contains exhibits devoted to flood management, the construction of the dam, and the transportation history of the Conemaugh Valley. Organized groups can schedule private dam tours with the Park Ranger at the office. There are several access points to the 14-mile West Penn Trail along the Conemaugh property.