3.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Saratoga Springs

A 3.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Saratoga Springs, Utah, on Thursday, occurring at approximately 12:53 p.m. The earthquake’s epicenter was located about four miles west-northwest of the city, at a depth of 3.4 miles. The U.S. Geological Survey initially rated the event at 3.4 before upgrading it to 3.5.

Impact and Eyewitness Accounts

Residents reported feeling the tremors across the Wasatch Front. Kate Millward, located on the fifth floor of an office building in Lehi, described the experience as noticeable but not severe enough to disturb office items. She added that the shaking lasted about ten seconds and was the strongest she had ever felt.

• Kate Millward: Experienced noticeable shaking but no movement of office items.
• Hallie Jenks: Described the sensation as feeling like someone hit her building.
• Kaitlynn Resse: Experiencing the quake while in her car, she likened it to someone pushing on her vehicle.

Seismic Data and Historical Context

According to the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, the earthquake was felt as far north as Davis County and as far south as Payson. Since 1981, seismologists have identified 70 earthquakes of magnitude 2 or greater within 15 miles of this quake’s epicenter. The largest recorded was a magnitude 4.2 earthquake on March 16, 1992.

Previous Quakes and Future Predictions

This earthquake follows a 4.7-magnitude tremor experienced two weeks prior, with the epicenter located approximately 25 miles south of Evanston, Wyoming. Experts clarified that Thursday’s earthquake was unrelated to the earlier event as they occurred on different fault lines.

Emily Morton, a research scientist at the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, noted that while there could be smaller aftershocks, no significant additional earthquakes are expected at this time.

Key Points Summary

• Magnitude: 3.5
• Epicenter: 4 miles west-northwest of Saratoga Springs
• Depth: 3.4 miles
• Initial Rating: 3.4, later upgraded to 3.5
• Reported feelings: Across Wasatch Front; over 2,500 reports received

No significant damage has been reported in Lehi or Saratoga Springs following the quake. Residents are reminded of the potential for aftershocks, though the likelihood of significant future earthquakes remains low.

For more details regarding seismic events in the area, residents can check updates from the University of Utah Seismograph Stations.