This dam is, together with the Arbón and Doiras dams, the third built on the Navia River, whose course runs through Galicia and Asturias for 159 kilometres.
The construction of the colossal work of the Salime Reservoir for the production of electrical energy constitutes one of the best and most monumental exponents of the industrial heritage of Asturias. The Saltos del Navia company began its construction at the end of 1945 and ended in 1955, although the final recognition and commissioning act is dated March 1, 1957. The work was inaugurated on August 24, 1955.