Recent earthquakes in Utah
Utah's earthquake hazard is concentrated along the Wasatch Fault, a major normal fault running north-south past Salt Lake City and the state's most populous corridor. The fault marks the eastern edge of the Basin and Range extension. The 2020 Magna earthquake (M5.7) near Salt Lake City was a reminder of this active setting. In the past 24 hours, Utah has recorded 1 earthquake, the largest an M3.8 (21 km NE of Granger, Wyoming).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3.8 | Sep 12, 05:25 UTC | 4 km | 21 km NE of Granger, Wyoming |
| M2.5 | Sep 9, 04:57 UTC | 2 km | 16 km NE of Milford, Utah |
Notable recent activity
An M3.8 earthquake struck 21 km NE of Granger, Wyoming at 05:25 UTC on Sep 12 at a depth of 4 km.
An M2.5 earthquake struck 16 km NE of Milford, Utah at 04:57 UTC on Sep 9 at a depth of 2 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Utah have earthquakes?
Utah lies along the eastern edge of the Basin and Range, where the crust is being stretched. The Wasatch Fault, running past Salt Lake City, accommodates this extension and is capable of large earthquakes.
Is the Wasatch Fault dangerous?
The Wasatch Fault is capable of a magnitude 7 or greater earthquake and runs directly through Utah's most densely populated area. Segments of it have not ruptured in centuries, and scientists consider a large event a serious long-term risk.
What was the biggest recent earthquake in Utah?
The March 18, 2020 Magna earthquake, magnitude 5.7, struck near Salt Lake City on a fault related to the Wasatch system, causing moderate damage. Larger prehistoric earthquakes on the Wasatch Fault are documented in the geologic record.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.