The Donner Pass is tragically associated with the starvation and cannibalism of the Donner Party during a severe winter storm in 1846-1847.

The Donner Party, a group of pioneers traveling west to California, became stranded in the Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846-1847. A severe blizzard blocked their path, leaving them trapped and facing starvation.Tragically, some members of the party resorted to cannibalism to survive. The Donner Party tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by pioneers crossing the Sierra Nevada and the dangers of winter travel in the mountains.