Montana Shaken After Earthquake Hits Near Great Falls

Shaky news out of Montana yesterday, especially for folks near Great Falls. I did not feel anything down here in Bozeman, but a fairly strong earthquake rattled Great Falls and surrounding communities, definitely getting people’s attention.

Here in Montana, we are no stranger to earthquakes. According to Gallatin County Emergency Management, our state experiences an average of 7 to 10 earthquakes every day. Most of those are too small to feel, but they still count. That stat alone makes Montana the 4th most seismically active state in the country. We also hold a historic and tragic record. The 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake remains the 14th largest earthquake ever recorded in the lower 48.

The quake near Great Falls hit around 1 p.m. and measured 4.2 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was located roughly seven miles northeast of the city. The shaking was strong enough that local law enforcement had to ask residents to only call 911 for true emergencies because phone lines were ringing off the hook. So far, there have been no reports of serious injuries or major structural damage, which is always the best case scenario in events like this.

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NorthWestern Energy also responded quickly, especially since some gas infrastructure sits close to the epicenter. Crews were sent out immediately to inspect pipelines and above-ground facilities. Thankfully, it looks like everyone is okay. Did you feel it where you were or catch any video? Let us know HERE.

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