Paint Creek Lake was created by the completion of the earth and rock Paint Creek Dam in 1974, which blocks the stream’s natural path and backs up water to form the lake. People entering the area may drive across the dam without realizing it. Water released from the lake is discharged downstream through the outflow after being drawn into a tower and channeled through an underground tunnel. This outflow is sometimes mistakenly called the spillway. When gates are opened, a horn warns people downstream. The intake structure holds in or releases excess water, with gates at several depths so water can be drawn from different levels to improve downstream water quality and temperature. These gates are operated to maintain a proper balance between water flowing into the lake and water flowing out. Emergency Tainter gates are used only in emergency situations to lower the lake level quickly by releasing additional water, reducing pressure on the dam and dike or preventing overtopping. The dike is another earthen structure that also helps create the lake, and the Tainter gates and dike are often mistaken for the dam and outlet works.