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