2.2
7 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
3 h
2.8
5 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
3 h
2.3
7 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
3 h
2.1
7 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
4 h
2.5
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
4 h
2.4
7 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
4 h
1.6
12.0 km from Enumclaw, WA
4 h
2.1
7 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
4 h
2.2
7 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
4 h
2.1
7 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
4 h
2.1
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, ID
4 h
2.7
8 km NW of Smiths Ferry, ID
5 h
4.9
10 km N of Smiths Ferry, ID
5 h
|
|
Did you feel that? 4.9 earthquake 56 miles from Payette on Feb. 26
Power went out throughout the Valley several minutes beforehand
Leslie Thompson Argus Observer Feb 26, 2024 Updated 1 hr ago
WESTERN TREASURE VALLEY The U.S. Geological Survey states that at 10:25 a.m. Monday a 4.9 magnitude earthquake
happened 6.83 miles from Smith's Ferry, which is about an hour north of Boise.
Minutes before the earthquake was felt, residents across the Western Treasure Valley were reportedly experiencing
intermittent power outages morning, including Ontario, Fruitland and Payette. The power went fully out for about
1,889 customers at about 10:18 a.m., according to Idaho Power, which had service for most customers restored by 12:07
p.m. Julie Rosandick, marketing specialist, verified that the outage was not related to the quake, but due to high
winds that were happening at the same time.
The quake was heavy enough that it was felt at the Argus Observer office.
According to the USGS Did-You-Feel-It page, where citizens can report whether they felt it, there were 1,713
responses by 2:45 a.m. In the Western Treasure Valley, numerous reports came out of Payette and Washington counties,
and on the Oregon side, people in Harper also reported feeling "weak" shaking. There were other smaller reports as
far away Salem, Oregon and Idaho Falls, Idaho, as well as in Idaho's panhandle and some places in southeastern
Washington.
Janet Komoto, of Ontario, said she also felt the earthquake.
"Lasted less than 10 seconds, but when the house moved that much, I knew instantly that it was an earthquake," she
told the Argus. "I came from California, and could feel most earthquakes over 4.0 that happened nearby."
According to the USGS, there have been several smaller earthquakes over the past month near Stanley, Challis and
Mackey, but no aftershocks have been reported at this time. A 6.5 earthquake that happened April 1 of 2020 near that
area was the second-largest earthquake in Idaho's history. It was the result of complex strike slip faulting within
the shallow crust of the North America plate. That area is nearby the Sawtooth fault in the Sawtooth Mountain Range.
The 4.9 earthquake Monday was 5.5 miles deep, and aftershocks occurred at 11:45 a.m. (2.5) and noon (2.8).
The largest earthquake in Idaho was in October of 1983. That was dubbed the Borah Peak earthquake registered at a
magnitude of 6.9, and was followed by multiple events registering 5 or greater the following year. It was responsible
for the death of two children and the economic damage topped $12 million in the Challis-Mackay area, which is just
north of the popular Sun Valley resort area in central Idaho.
Its unknown at this time, whether there was damage to any structures, but following the one in April of 2020, there
were some local facilities that beared the brunt, including the Payette County Jail.
Payette County Sheriff Andy Creech said the county jail, which is inside the courthouse, experienced "a small bump in
power, but the power did not go out." Additionally, officials checked the facilities immediately after the
earthquake.
"We have checked our radio infrastructure and everything is still functioning," he said. "We will check our
infrastructure more throughout the day."
Requests for comments are pending with Payette County Road & Bridge to see whether officials are inspecting local
roads and bridges. Officials with Idaho Transportation Department are checking state roads and bridges.
According to information on ready.gov, there are several steps you can do to stay safe if you experience an
earthquake.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are outdoors, stay outdoors away from buildings.
If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
For more information visit the earthquake page on ready.g
|
|