The Mayfield development, completed in 1963, includes a 250-foot-high (above bedrock), 850-foot-long, concrete arch and gravity dam that impounds Mayfield Lake. In addition to the Cowlitz River, inflows from the Tilton River also contribute to Mayfield Lake. An 854-foot-long power tunnel passes through the right abutment of the dam and terminates at a concrete forebay structure. Four penstocks continue from the forebay structure to the four 40,500 kilowatt vertical Francis turbines for an installed capacity of 162-megawatts.

Mayfield Lake
The 2,250-acre Mayfield Lake is formed by the Mayfield Dam and offers year-round recreation. The elevation of the lake fluctuates no more than 10 feet throughout the year. Public boat ramps and campgrounds are located at Ike Kinswa State Park and Mayfield Lake Park. Several privately run recreational areas operate with permits from Tacoma Power.

Tacoma Power owns the shoreline around Mayfield Lake, some of which is designated for wildlife habitat. Under certain situations, permits are issued to neighboring property owners who wish to have a boat dock on the lake and meet the conditions of the permit.