Donnell Lake, located near Dardanelle, California, was formed by the construction of a dam on the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River. The lake, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, has a maximum depth of 328 feet and provides habitat for a variety of fish species. The hydrology of the area is influenced by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains, which provides surface flow to the lake and other waterways in the region. The snowpack also serves as a vital water source for agricultural and recreational activities in the area. The lake and surrounding areas are popular for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. Agriculture in the area includes ranching and timber production.