In 1970, the Army Corps of Engineers constructed this dam to impound Rocky Gap Run and create Lake Habeeb. The 243-acre lake is named in honor of Edward Habeeb, who inspired the establishment of Rocky Gap State Park. Like all Maryland lakes, it requires a dam, as there are no natural lakes in Maryland. Lake Habeeb has an average depth of 30 feet, with some areas as deep as 90 feet. The park was formally opened on July 17, 1974, and the lake was later dedicated on September 18, 1976.