On January 20, 2025, Snoqualmie, Washington, experienced a 3.5 magnitude earthquake
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. The quake struck just after 1 p.m., about five miles northeast of Snoqualmie, and was felt across a wide area, including nearby cities like Klahanie, Sammamish, and Issaquah
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. The earthquake had a depth of over 10.1 miles (about 16.3 kilometers), making it a relatively deep tremor
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Earthquakes in Washington state are not uncommon
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. The state sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate is slowly slipping beneath the North American Plate
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. This geological setting makes Washington the second highest risk state in the U.S. for experiencing a large and damaging earthquake
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The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) reported that the earthquake was part of a series of tremors in the region, including a 3.0 magnitude quake near Fall City later that day
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. While these quakes were not destructive, they serve as a reminder of the ever-present seismic activity in the area.
Residents in Snoqualmie and surrounding areas felt the tremor in various ways
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. Some reported a subtle shaking, while others felt nothing at all
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. The PNSN received over 900 responses from people who felt the earthquake, spanning 78 different ZIP codes
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Washington’s geologic setting means that earthquakes happen every day, but most are too small to be felt
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. The state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) explains that there are three main types of earthquakes in the region: shallow fault quakes, deep earthquakes, and subduction zone earthquakes
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. Each type has its own characteristics and potential impacts.
Despite the frequent seismic activity, Washingtonians are well-prepared for earthquakes. The state has stringent building codes and emergency response plans in place to minimize damage and ensure public safety. Residents are encouraged to have emergency kits and plans ready in case of a major earthquake.
For more information on earthquakes in
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