A minor earthquake struck near James Town, Wyoming, early Thursday morning, briefly shaking parts of western Wyoming. While the quake didn’t cause any damage, it was felt in some nearby communities.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.9, occurred at 3:39 a.m. MDT and originated about 15 kilometers southwest of James Town. The tremor took place at a shallow depth of around 3.3 kilometers. The quake was centered near the Utah-Wyoming border and, though it wasn’t strong enough to cause damage, it may have been felt in some nearby areas, particularly those in quieter or elevated locations.
Areas Affected
Residents in Sweetwater and Uinta counties may have experienced light tremors, especially if they were in higher locations or in quiet areas during the time of the quake. Despite the slight shaking, there have been no reports of structural damage or injuries.
Earthquake Characteristics and Monitoring
The shallow depth of this earthquake increased the likelihood of surface-level shaking, but given the minor magnitude, it wasn’t strong enough to cause significant impact. The University of Utah Seismograph Stations confirmed the magnitude and location, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been tracking the event closely.
Though there were no aftershocks reported as of Thursday morning, authorities remain on alert and continue to monitor seismic activity in the area. Wyoming experiences several small earthquakes each year, particularly along the Intermountain Seismic Belt, which stretches through parts of Utah and Idaho.
Reporting Earthquake Activity
Officials are encouraging residents to report any unusual movement or shaking to the U.S. Geological Survey’s “Did You Feel It?” tool. This helps authorities track seismic activity in the region and gauge the impact of earthquakes that may not be as widely felt but are still significant to monitor.
Though the 2.9 magnitude earthquake near James Town was minor, it highlights the ongoing seismic activity in Wyoming and surrounding areas. Residents should remain aware and report any unusual shaking to help monitor the region’s seismic activity.
