Donner Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Donner Lake, located in Truckee, California, is a public utility water supply dam constructed in 1927 with a primary purpose of providing water for irrigation and domestic use.


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Summary

The concrete dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a hydraulic height of 14.4 feet, storing a maximum capacity of 10,300 acre-feet of water. With a surface area of 960 acres and a drainage area of 14 square miles, Donner Lake plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Managed by the Department of Water Resources and regulated by the Safety of Dams agency, Donner Lake is considered to have a significant hazard potential, but its condition assessment as of September 2017 was deemed satisfactory. The dam has undergone regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in November 2020, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. Despite being a key water supply source, Donner Lake also offers recreational opportunities and contributes to the ecological balance of the area, making it a valuable asset for both residents and visitors interested in water resources and climate-related activities in the region.

Overall, Donner Lake serves as a vital infrastructure for water supply in Nevada and California, offering both practical and recreational benefits to the community. As a concrete dam with a long history of operation, it exemplifies the importance of proper regulation and maintenance to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Donner Lake presents a fascinating case study of a well-managed dam that plays a crucial role in balancing the needs of water supply, irrigation, and environmental preservation in the region.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

45

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

.

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

960

Hydraulic Height

14.4

Drainage Area

14

Nid Storage

10300

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.