Recent earthquakes near Los Angeles
Los Angeles sits within a dense web of faults where the San Andreas system bends, including the San Andreas itself to the northeast and numerous blind thrust faults beneath the basin. The soft sediments of the Los Angeles Basin can amplify shaking. The 1994 Northridge earthquake (M6.7), on a previously unknown thrust fault, caused billions in damage. In the past 24 hours, Los Angeles has recorded 1 earthquake, the largest an M2.6 (6 km W of Edwards Air Force Base, CA).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2.6 | Sep 11, 10:19 UTC | 8 km | 6 km W of Edwards Air Force Base, CA |
| M2.5 | Sep 9, 12:09 UTC | 8 km | 28 km WSW of Olancha, CA |
| M2.7 | Sep 8, 21:15 UTC | 2 km | 39 km NE of Big Bear City, CA |
| M2.8 | Sep 8, 12:45 UTC | 7 km | 16 km WSW of Johannesburg, CA |
| M2.9 | Sep 6, 15:33 UTC | 3 km | 10 km ENE of Coso Junction, CA |
| M3.1 | Sep 6, 07:13 UTC | 16 km | 4 km SSE of Compton, CA |
Notable recent activity
An M3.1 earthquake struck 4 km SSE of Compton, CA at 07:13 UTC on Sep 6 at a depth of 16 km.
An M2.9 earthquake struck 10 km ENE of Coso Junction, CA at 15:33 UTC on Sep 6 at a depth of 3 km.
An M2.8 earthquake struck 16 km WSW of Johannesburg, CA at 12:45 UTC on Sep 8 at a depth of 7 km.
Frequently asked questions
Is Los Angeles at risk of a big earthquake?
Yes. Los Angeles sits near the southern San Andreas Fault and above many local faults, including hidden thrust faults beneath the basin. Forecasts give a high probability of a damaging magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake in the region within decades.
What was the Northridge earthquake?
The January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake, magnitude 6.7, struck on a blind thrust fault beneath the San Fernando Valley. It killed 57 people, injured thousands, and caused over $40 billion in damage, among the costliest disasters in U.S. history.
What is the risk from the San Andreas Fault near Los Angeles?
The southern San Andreas Fault, northeast of the city, has not produced a great earthquake since about 1680 and is considered capable of a magnitude 7.8 event. Such a rupture would strongly shake the Los Angeles region.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.