Donner Creek facts for kids

Donner Creek, looking upstream where it leaves Donner Lake

Donner Creek is a cool stream in Nevada County, California. It flows into and then out of Donner Lake. Think of it like a watery path! This creek is also a smaller stream that feeds into a bigger river, the Truckee River. We call smaller streams that feed bigger ones "tributaries."

Where Does Donner Creek Get Its Water?

Donner Creek gets some of its water from another stream called Cold Creek. Cold Creek flows from a place called Coldstream Canyon. This canyon is a large area, about 12.5 square miles, located south of Donner Lake. It's near the town of Truckee, and Cold Creek helps drain water from this whole area into Donner Creek.

The Journey of Donner Creek

Donner Creek starts its journey by flowing into Donner Lake. After passing through the lake, it continues its path. Along the way, it meets up with Cold Creek. This meeting point is called a "confluence." Finally, Donner Creek flows into the larger Truckee River, adding its water to the river's flow.

Confluence of Cold Creek (right) with Donner Creek (left)

Confluence of Donner Creek (right) with Truckee River