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DONNER PEAK

Mountains and Summits


Pacific Ranges Sierra Nevada

Donner Peak

8,019 ft

Donner Peak is a prominent mountain located in the Pacific Ranges mountain range of California. 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.


Outdoor Recreation

Campground Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
D.L. Bliss State Park 170 6,872 ft
Sugar Pine Point State Park 175 6,465 ft
Wench Creek 2 4,947 ft
Boca 20 5,637 ft
Ahart 12 5,341 ft
Independence Lake 20 6,957 ft
Robinson Flat 14 6,696 ft
French Meadows 75 5,330 ft
Kaspian 9 6,276 ft
Meeks Bay 40 6,225 ft
Donner Memorial State Park 54 5,951 ft
Airport Flat 16 5,383 ft
Bayview 13 6,819 ft
Lake Forest 20 6,260 ft
Lewis 40 5,280 ft
Wentworth Springs 8 6,153 ft
Gerle Creek 50 5,272 ft
Prosser 29 5,805 ft
Camino Cove 32 4,898 ft
Logger 252 5,979 ft
Alpine Meadows None 5,834 ft
Yuba Pass 20 6,715 ft
Woodchuck 8 6,256 ft
Little Lasier Meadow 12 6,484 ft
William Kent 95 6,337 ft
Upper Little Truckee 26 6,187 ft
Cold Creek 11 5,702 ft
Sterling Lake 8 7,023 ft
Tahoe State Rec Area 27 6,262 ft
Lower Little Truckee 15 6,141 ft
Silver Creek-Truckee 27 6,041 ft
Northshore 15 6,411 ft
Pleasant Dispersed 10 6,413 ft
Hampshire Rocks 30 5,921 ft
Sterling lake- dispersed None 7,036 ft
Hell Hole 10 5,167 ft
Goose Meadow 24 5,970 ft
Ski Area Snowpack Air Temperature 5 Day Forecast
Heavenly Ski Resort 31" 38° 2.68"
Northstar 14" 45° 5.51"
Kirkwood 46" 35° 5.59"
Bear Valley Mountain Resort 57" 37° 5.71"
Donner Ski Ranch 52" 39° 6.74"
Diamond Peak 0" 47° 3.9"
Boreal Mountain Resort 52" 39° 6.74"
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe 75" 38° 3.76"
Alpine Meadows Ski Area 63" 36° 5.98"
Soda Springs 52" 39° 6.74"
Tahoe Donner 52" 39° 6.74"
Squaw Valley 50" 35° 6.47"
Granlibakken Ski Resort 63" 36° 5.98"
Homewood Mountain Resort 63" 36° 5.98"
Sierra at Tahoe 53" 36° 4.53"
Sugar Bowl Resort 14" 45° 5.51"
River Run Streamflow Length Class

Regional Water Data

Gauge Streamflow Stage
Truckee R Nr Truckee Ca
USGS 10338000
589 cfs 2.8 ft
Upper Truckee R At Hwy 50 Above Meyers Ca
USGS 103366092
264 cfs 6.3 ft
Franktown C Nr Carson City
USGS 10348460
4 cfs 4.2 ft
East Fork Carson River Near Gardnerville
USGS 10309000
1,410 cfs 11.5 ft
Third Ck Nr Crystal Bay
USGS 10336698
13 cfs 2.3 ft
Incline Ck Nr Crystal Bay
USGS 10336700
19 cfs 2.2 ft
Incline Ck Abv Tyrol Village Nr Incline Village Nv
USGS 103366993
7 cfs 3.1 ft
Snotel Site Snowpack 24hr Change

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