A mild earthquake measuring 3.5 magnitude was recorded Friday evening near West Valley City, Utah, sending brief tremors across several communities along the Wasatch Front.
According to preliminary seismic data, the quake struck at approximately 6:32 p.m. local time, with an epicenter northwest of West Valley City at a depth of about 8.3 kilometers. Initial readings placed the magnitude at 3.6 before it was later revised to 3.5.
Residents across Salt Lake Valley, including Taylorsville, Kearns, and surrounding neighborhoods, reported feeling short bursts of shaking, though emergency officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage.
Part of a Recent Series of Small Quakes
The tremor follows a string of minor earthquakes recorded in Utah over the past several weeks. A similar 3.5 magnitude quake was detected near Saratoga Springs and Lehi earlier, while additional low-magnitude seismic activity has been periodically observed across the region since the 2020 Magna earthquake.
Geologists note that even relatively small earthquakes can be widely felt when they occur at shallow depths, particularly in areas with dense population centers such as the Wasatch Front.
Safety Reminders
Authorities continue to remind residents to follow standard earthquake safety procedures, including dropping to the ground, covering the head and neck, and holding onto stable furniture until shaking stops. Officials also caution that aftershocks can sometimes follow minor seismic events, though none had been reported immediately after Friday’s tremor.
Seismologists continue monitoring activity in the region as part of ongoing earthquake preparedness and research programs across Utah.
