When did the donner party split up some going through shasta and some going the shortcut through the sierra Nevada mts?

The Donner Party split up on October 5, 1846. Some members chose to take the established route through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, while others decided to attempt the untested shortcut through what became known as the Hastings Cutoff, which led them into further difficulties and delays. This decision ultimately contributed to their tragic fate during the winter of 1846-1847.