Earthquakes in Utah occur quite frequently, with hundreds of small earthquakes recorded each year. Specifically, there are on average about 6 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or higher annually in Utah, translating to roughly one earthquake every two months. Moderate, potentially damaging earthquakes (magnitude 5.5 to 6.5) tend to occur every 10 to 50 years. Larger earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 to 7.5 happen much less frequently, about once every 150 years. Overall, Utah experiences many smaller quakes annually, with occasional moderate to larger quakes over longer intervals.
Key Points:
- About 6 earthquakes per year of magnitude 4.0 or larger.
- Magnitude 5.5 to 6.5 earthquakes occur roughly every 10 to 50 years.
- Large magnitude 7.0 to 7.5 quakes expected approximately every 150 years.
- Hundreds of small earthquakes happen yearly, most undetectable without instruments.
Most seismic activity is concentrated along the Wasatch Fault, a major fault line running through Utah near populous areas, which presents highest earthquake risk.