M3.7 Earthquake 92 km N of Yakutat, Alaska

Shaking Felt Across Southcentral Alaska: Moderate Earthquake Rocks the Coast

A noticeable tremor rattled Anchorage and much of Southcentral Alaska this morning as a 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck nearly 92 kilometers (57 miles) northeast of Yakutat. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at 7:15 AM AKDT and had a shallow depth of 6.5 kilometers (4 miles), meaning the shaking was felt most intensely close to the epicenter.

What This Means for Anchorage

While thankfully not a major event, this earthquake serves as a potent reminder of Alaska’s seismic activity. Anchorage residents experienced a noticeable shaking, described by many as a rolling sensation, lasting approximately 10-20 seconds. Emergency services reported receiving a small number of calls regarding minor property damage, primarily cracked plaster and dislodged items, but no injuries have been reported at this time. It’s a good opportunity to review your home’s earthquake preparedness – ensuring heavy objects are secured and having a family emergency plan in place. This event underscores the importance of being aware of potential risks, especially for those living in areas like Eagle River or Girdwood, which are situated along fault lines.

Local Context

Alaska is a geologically active state, sitting along the Pacific Ring of Fire where the Juan de Fuca, North American, and Pacific tectonic plates meet. This constant movement generates frequent earthquakes, though most are small and go unnoticed. Yakutat, a remote coastal community accessible by boat or plane, is particularly prone to seismic activity due to its location on the Yakutat Fault. Subsistence fishing and hunting are vital to many communities along the Kenai Peninsula, including Yakutat, and events like this can understandably cause concern for those relying on the resources of the region. Furthermore, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a significant military installation just south of Anchorage, has robust earthquake preparedness protocols, and this event reinforces the importance of those measures.

What to Know

If you felt the shaking, check your home for any damage and ensure that any loose items are secured. The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has resources available on their website (dhsem.Alaska.gov) to help you prepare for earthquakes and other natural disasters. You can also download the MyShake app, developed by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which uses your smartphone to detect and record earthquakes. Remember, aftershocks are possible following an earthquake of this magnitude, so remain vigilant.

Let’s look out for each other, Anchorage residents, and Alaskans. It’s comforting to know we’re all connected in this beautiful, sometimes unpredictable, corner of the world.