Eastern Idaho Earthquake Swarm Registers Five Quakes Above 3.0 Near Yellowstone
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — A swarm of earthquakes rattled eastern Idaho overnight into Monday morning, with at least five quakes above magnitude 3.0 striking near the Montana border, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Details of the Seismic Activity
The strongest quake, a magnitude 3.9, struck just before 1 a.m. about 20 miles northwest of Spencer — less than 100 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Country Herald reported.
In total, the cluster began shortly after midnight and continued into the morning, with magnitudes ranging from 2.6 to 3.9. All struck at shallow depths of around 10 kilometers, amplifying the potential shaking felt by nearby communities.
Impact on Communities
No damage reports have been filed, but residents across Clark County and nearby areas may have experienced light to moderate shaking. The swarm’s proximity to Yellowstone has drawn attention, given the region’s seismic history and the presence of the Yellowstone supervolcano.
Expert Perspective
Geologists caution that earthquake swarms in the Intermountain West are not unusual and do not necessarily indicate an impending eruption. However, the cluster highlights the geologic volatility of the region, where tectonic shifts are common.
The USGS continues to monitor the swarm closely and has pledged further updates if the activity persists.
Safety Guidance for Residents
Emergency officials advise residents to:
- Review earthquake safety plans.
- Secure heavy household items that could fall during shaking.
- Stay alert for possible aftershocks.
Preparedness remains critical in seismically active areas, even when quakes are relatively small.
While experts stress there is no cause for alarm, the recent swarm is another reminder of the powerful forces at play beneath the surface of the West. For continued updates on seismic activity and regional safety coverage, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.