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 initially measured approximately long, with dairy farms surrounding it. Following the creation of the substantial dam, its length increased to about . The lakes Votna and Røldalsvatnet are managed together as part of the Røldal-Suldal watershed, which supplies a nearby hydroelectric power station.