Donner Lk Nr Truckee Ca Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Donner Lake is located near Truckee, California, and is a popular recreational area for swimming, fishing, and boating.


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Summary

The lake was named after the Donner party, a group of pioneers who became stranded in the area during the winter of 1846-1847. The hydrology of the area is influenced by the surrounding mountains, which feed snowmelt into the lake. The snowpack providers include the Sierra Nevada range, which receives significant amounts of precipitation during the winter months. The lake is also used for irrigation and agricultural purposes, with water being diverted from the Truckee River. Overall, Donner Lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and provides a vital water source for the surrounding areas.

Reservoir Details

Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft 24hr Change 0.0%
Percent of Normal 100%
Minimum 5,927.5 ft
2018-11-12
Maximum 5,935.96 ft
2010-06-14
Average 5,929 ft
       
Seasonal Comparison
Reservoir Storage, Acre-Ft Levels
Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft Levels

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.