The lake created quite a stir with some of Jack's neighbors. Ninetta and Edward Payne, (Charmian's aunt) Henry Chauvet and some others had obtained an injunction against Jack London's diversion of water from Graham Creek to provide water for his man-made lake, but they lost their case. Jack invited all of them who had lost their raparian suit against him to a big dinner at the ranch. He wanted them to see what the water from Graham Creek could do for agriculture and to explain his moral and legal rights in the matter. After the tour and Jack's explanation, his neighbors agreed they should have talked the matter over with him before bringing suit.

The dam was used also for recreation. Jack had a combination bath and boathouse built at the dam to house boats he purchased while on their Snark cruise.

Source: A Pictorial Biography of Jack London
- Russ Kingman