Recent earthquakes in Washington
Washington faces some of the highest earthquake hazard in the United States from the offshore Cascadia subduction zone, capable of magnitude 9 earthquakes, plus deep intraslab and shallow crustal faults around Puget Sound. The 2001 Nisqually earthquake (M6.8) was a deep event beneath the region. A Cascadia rupture last occurred in 1700. In the past 24 hours, Washington has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Washington have earthquakes?
Off Washington's coast, the Juan de Fuca Plate subducts beneath North America along the Cascadia zone. This drives great offshore earthquakes, deep earthquakes within the descending slab, and shallow crustal faults such as the Seattle Fault.
What is the Cascadia earthquake risk?
The Cascadia subduction zone can produce magnitude 9 earthquakes, the last in January 1700, and recurs on average every few hundred years. A future rupture would cause minutes of strong shaking and a major tsunami along the Washington coast.
What was the biggest recent earthquake in Washington?
The February 28, 2001 Nisqually earthquake, magnitude 6.8, struck deep beneath the Puget Sound region, causing significant damage. Larger events, including the 1949 and 1965 earthquakes and the looming Cascadia hazard, define the state's risk.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.