The lake was originally about  long and surrounded by many dairy farms. Since the  tall dam was built, the lake grew to about  long. This lake and the neighboring lakes of Votna and Røldalsvatnet are all regulated together as part of the Røldal-Suldal watershed which feeds a nearby hydroelectric power station.
The lake was originally approximately long and surrounded by numerous dairy farms. Since the substantial dam was constructed, the lake expanded to about  in length. These lakes—Votna and Røldalsvatnet—are all managed together as part of the Røldal-Suldal watershed that supplies a nearby hydroelectric power station.