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 1 earthquake, the largest an M4.3 (8 km ESE of Cloverdale, CA).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2.5 | Jul 29, 02:40 UTC | 4 km | 8 km ESE of Cloverdale, CA |
| M4.3 | Jul 29, 02:40 UTC | 6 km | 8 km ESE of Cloverdale, CA |
| M3.0 | Jul 27, 16:13 UTC | 5 km | 17 km SE of Silver Springs, Nevada |
| M3.4 | Jul 27, 16:13 UTC | 12 km | 18 km SE of Silver Springs, Nevada |
| M2.7 | Jul 27, 15:29 UTC | 1 km | 3 km ENE of The Geysers, CA |
| M2.8 | Jul 27, 15:29 UTC | 1 km | 3 km ENE of The Geysers, CA |
| M3.0 | Jul 27, 08:13 UTC | 5 km | 12 km ESE of Gilroy, CA |
| M2.5 | Jul 27, 06:29 UTC | 3 km | 3 km NW of The Geysers, CA |
| M2.5 | Jul 25, 11:31 UTC | 6 km | 3 km E of St. Helena, CA |
| M2.5 | Jul 24, 23:20 UTC | -2 km | 7 km NE of Lake Davis, CA |
| M2.5 | Jul 24, 22:38 UTC | 5 km | 11 km ESE of Gilroy, CA |
| M2.6 | Jul 24, 19:45 UTC | 7 km | 25 km SSW of Hawthorne, Nevada |
| M2.6 | Jul 24, 15:47 UTC | 7 km | 24 km SSW of Hawthorne, Nevada |
| M2.7 | Jul 24, 09:35 UTC | 7 km | 75 km ENE of Tonopah, Nevada |
| M2.6 | Jul 23, 09:13 UTC | 3 km | 18 km NNW of Panguitch, Utah |
| M2.6 | Jul 23, 08:23 UTC | 5 km | 3 km W of Circleville, Utah |
| M2.7 | Jul 23, 00:52 UTC | 4 km | 2 km NNE of San Leandro, CA |
| M2.5 | Jul 23, 00:30 UTC | 7 km | 11 km ESE of Willits, CA |
| M3.5 | Jul 22, 17:20 UTC | 14 km | 16 km NE of Yerington, Nevada |
Notable recent activity
An M4.3 earthquake struck 8 km ESE of Cloverdale, CA at 02:40 UTC on Jul 29 at a depth of 6 km.
An M3.5 earthquake struck 16 km NE of Yerington, Nevada at 17:20 UTC on Jul 22 at a depth of 14 km.
An M3.4 earthquake struck 18 km SE of Silver Springs, Nevada at 16:13 UTC on Jul 27 at a depth of 12 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.