Donner Peak peak
Donner Peak rises to 8,019 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Sierra Nevada range.
With an elevation of 8,019 feet (2,444 meters), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. This majestic peak is known for its rugged terrain, making it a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers alike.
During the winter season, Donner Peak experiences heavy snowfall due to its location in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The snowpack range can vary each year, but it typically accumulates several feet of snow, providing excellent opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. The mountain's snowpack also contributes to the runoff of several creeks and rivers in the region. Notably, Donner Creek, located on the north side of the mountain, receives significant runoff from the melting snow, contributing to the overall water supply.
The name "Donner Peak" holds historical significance and is tied to a tragic event. In the winter of 1846, the Donner Party, a group of pioneers, became stranded in the nearby Donner Pass during heavy snowstorms. Facing severe hardships, some resorted to cannibalism to survive. This dark chapter in history has given the peak its name and adds an aura of intrigue and folklore to the mountain.
Overall, Donner Peak stands as a remarkable destination for mountaineers, offering challenging terrain, stunning views, and a connection to a haunting piece of history.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Donner Peak
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Css Lab | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Forestdale Creek | 1 in | → |
| Mt Rose Ski Area | 16 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mt Rose Ski Area | 16 in | → |
| Black Springs | 0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Burnside Lake | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Spratt Creek | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Hagan's Meadow Snotel | 1 in | → |
| Bloods Creek | 0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Forni Ridge | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Donner Peak
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Truckee R At S Upper Truckee Rd Nr Meyers Ca | 4 cfs | → |
| Incline Ck Abv Tyrol Village Nr Incline Village Nv | 7 cfs | → |
| Aspen C Overburden Seep Nr Markleeville Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Spanish C Ab Blackhawk C At Keddie Ca | 105 cfs | → |
| Spanish C A Quincy Ca | 52 cfs | → |
| Leviathan C Channel Underdrain Nr Markleeville Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Bryant C Nr Gardnerville | 7 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Donner Peak
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Donner Peak.
Ski areas
River runs
- Royal Gorge (Soda Springs To Tadpole Creek)
- Headwaters Se 1/4 Of Sec 10, T18, R15e To Stampede Reservoir
- Tahoe City To River Ranch
- Generation And Giant Gaps (Tadpole To Colfax-Iowa Hill Road)
- Hell Hole Dam To Ellicotts Bridge
Fishing
Get Donner Peak on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
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Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.