Recent earthquakes in Nevada
Nevada lies within the Basin and Range province, where the crust is being stretched and broken by countless normal faults, making it one of the most seismically active states. The Walker Lane belt along its western edge accommodates additional motion related to the San Andreas system. The 1915 Pleasant Valley (M7.3) and 1954 Fairview Peak-Dixie Valley earthquakes were major events. In the past 24 hours, Nevada has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2.5 | Oct 26, 13:10 UTC | 5 km | 4 km SE of Aromas, CA |
| M2.5 | Oct 25, 14:05 UTC | 2 km | 16 km NNE of Milford, Utah |
| M2.7 | Oct 25, 01:35 UTC | 1 km | 32 km WSW of Tecopa, CA |
| M2.5 | Oct 24, 20:39 UTC | 2 km | 7 km W of Cobb, CA |
| M2.5 | Oct 24, 18:42 UTC | -0 km | 17 km SW of Toms Place, CA |
| M2.6 | Oct 24, 17:59 UTC | 3 km | 15 km NNE of Milford, Utah |
| M2.9 | Oct 24, 10:54 UTC | 2 km | 19 km SW of Toms Place, CA |
| M3.0 | Oct 22, 21:58 UTC | 6 km | 15 km S of Tres Pinos, CA |
| M3.1 | Oct 22, 04:18 UTC | -1 km | 23 km WSW of Gustine, CA |
| M3.1 | Oct 21, 15:55 UTC | 6 km | 39 km SSW of Likely, CA |
Notable recent activity
An M3.1 earthquake struck 23 km WSW of Gustine, CA at 04:18 UTC on Oct 22 at a depth of -1 km.
An M3.1 earthquake struck 39 km SSW of Likely, CA at 15:55 UTC on Oct 21 at a depth of 6 km.
An M3.0 earthquake struck 15 km S of Tres Pinos, CA at 21:58 UTC on Oct 22 at a depth of 6 km.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nevada get a lot of earthquakes?
Yes. Nevada is among the most seismically active U.S. states, owing to the stretching of the Basin and Range and the Walker Lane belt in the west. Most earthquakes are small, but the state has produced several magnitude 7 events.
Why does Nevada have earthquakes?
The Basin and Range province across Nevada is being pulled apart, dropping valleys down along normal faults between rising mountain ranges. The Walker Lane on the western side takes up part of the Pacific-North American plate motion, adding further activity.
What was the biggest earthquake in Nevada?
The October 2, 1915 Pleasant Valley earthquake, magnitude 7.3, is among Nevada's largest, producing a long fault scarp still visible today. The 1954 Dixie Valley-Fairview Peak earthquakes were another notable magnitude 7 sequence.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.