[1][2] This salinity causes significant freezing-point depression, allowing the pond to remain liquid even at temperatures as low as −50 °C (−58 °F).

It has the second-highest total dissolved solids on record, 1.3 times greater salinity than the Dead Sea.

According to the United States Geological Survey topographical map published in 1977, the area was approximately 0.25 km2 (62 acres).

In January 1997, it was approximately 10 centimetres (3.9 in) deep;[3] in December 1998, the pond was almost dry everywhere except for an area of a few tens of square metres.

[6] Studies of lifeforms in the hypersaline (and/or brine) water of Don Juan Pond have found a "sparse microflora of four species of heterotrophic bacteria and a yeast".