Recent earthquakes near Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City sits directly along the Wasatch Fault, a major normal fault at the eastern edge of the Basin and Range that runs beneath the state's most populous corridor. Parts of the city are built on soft valley sediments that would amplify shaking and are prone to liquefaction. The 2020 Magna earthquake (M5.7) struck just west of the city. In the past 24 hours, Salt Lake City 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 25, 14:05 UTC | 2 km | 16 km NNE of Milford, Utah |
| M2.6 | Oct 24, 17:59 UTC | 3 km | 15 km NNE of Milford, Utah |
| M3.2 | Oct 22, 09:44 UTC | -2 km | 3 km NW of Little America, Wyoming |
Notable recent activity
An M3.2 earthquake struck 3 km NW of Little America, Wyoming at 09:44 UTC on Oct 22 at a depth of -2 km.
An M2.6 earthquake struck 15 km NNE of Milford, Utah at 17:59 UTC on Oct 24 at a depth of 3 km.
An M2.5 earthquake struck 16 km NNE of Milford, Utah at 14:05 UTC on Oct 25 at a depth of 2 km.
Frequently asked questions
Is Salt Lake City at risk of a major earthquake?
Yes. The Wasatch Fault runs directly along the Salt Lake City area and is capable of a magnitude 7 or greater earthquake. Much of the valley sits on soft sediments that would amplify shaking, adding to the risk.
When did the Wasatch Fault last rupture near Salt Lake City?
The segment near Salt Lake City has not produced a major surface-rupturing earthquake in over a thousand years, based on geologic studies. This long interval, combined with steady strain, is why a large future earthquake is a serious concern.
What was the 2020 Magna earthquake?
The March 18, 2020 Magna earthquake, magnitude 5.7, struck just west of Salt Lake City, the largest in the area in decades. It caused moderate damage and served as a reminder of the Wasatch Fault's potential for a much larger event.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.