SALT LAKE CITY — A magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck near Independence in Wasatch County on the evening of April 30, sending tremors across central Utah and prompting over 3,000 people to report feeling the shaking, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Although relatively minor, the quake was a stark reminder for residents across the state that Utah is crisscrossed with active fault lines — not all of which are well-known or mapped.
“This isn’t just about the Wasatch Fault,” said geologist Dr. Rodriguez in a conversation with ABC4. “There are countless smaller faults throughout Utah, and any of them could trigger seismic activity. That’s why earthquake readiness is important statewide — not just in areas near the major faults.”
The quake occurred on what’s known as the Wasatch Back, away from the massive and more commonly referenced Wasatch Fault. Still, the shaking was felt from Ogden in the north to Spanish Fork in the south. Heber City, located just 14 miles away from the epicenter, experienced particularly noticeable shaking.
Hannah Cowan, a Heber City resident, described the jolt she felt shortly after putting her child to bed.
“I heard the books and plants in our room start to rattle. I sat up and woke up my husband — he hadn’t noticed anything,” she said.
Though the shaking stopped quickly, Cowan was concerned enough to ask her husband to remove picture frames near their baby’s bed. “Just in case of aftershocks,” she explained. “Thankfully, we didn’t feel any others during the night. And on the bright side, my Command Strips held!”
Dr. Rodriguez said the risk of a larger quake following a 3.9 event is low — around five percent — but that shouldn’t stop residents from using events like this as a wake-up call to prepare.
“It’s a good idea to have an earthquake kit ready: water, a flashlight or headlamp, a radio, and basic supplies in case power or utilities are disrupted,” she advised. “If you’re indoors during an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under something sturdy, and hold on.”
Seismic experts are continuing to study fault activity along the Wasatch Front and beyond. Dr. Rodriguez noted that recent research by colleagues has looked into the earthquake history of the region to better understand the potential risks in the years to come.
While no damage was reported in connection to the April 30 earthquake, experts agree it was a timely reminder that Utah residents live in earthquake country — and should be ready when the ground next begins to move.
