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Earthquake shakes Smiths Ferry, felt in Treasure Valley

At 10:25 a.m. a 4.9 magnitude earthquake hit Idaho. Aftershocks soon followed.

SMITHS FERRY, Idaho — On Monday, an earthquake hit Smiths Ferry, Idaho, leaving the Treasure Valley and the public wondering if it was real.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, or USGS, the 4.9 magnitude quake hit Smiths Ferry at 10:25 a.m. with an eight-kilometer depth. 

At 10:46 a.m., USGS stated there was a second 2.7 magnitude quake, an aftershock, roughly six miles northwest of Smiths Ferry at a depth of around ten kilometers. 

USGS data states that at 11:45 a.m., a third earthquake about five miles north of Smiths Ferry, a 2.5 magnitude aftershock, was felt.

Around noon, the USGS data shows a fourth earthquake registering a 2.8 magnitude hit about five miles northwest of Smiths Ferry at a depth of around seven kilometers.

People felt the quake not only in the West Central Mountains but also throughout Southwest Idaho. Many commented on KTVB's social media, sharing their experiences; if you felt the quake, comment on our Facebook post. 

BSU seismologist Lee Liberty said the 4.9 earthquake was the largest quake in the Cascade area in about 50 years. He said aftershocks will continue for several days. 

“There’s been lots of magnitude twos, threes and fours," he said, "but a 4.9 is the largest one in the catalog since 1970.”

He said Idaho gets a big earthquake about every decade, like the one in 2020. A "moderate" quake, like the one Monday, typically happens every year.

A 4.9 magnitude earthquake rattled residents of Cascade and other Valley County areas around 10:25am Monday. Some...

Posted by KTVB on Monday, February 26, 2024

Idaho Transportation Department inspected infrastructure and road conditions following the quakes. According to a news release, ITD immediately responded to the Smiths Ferry area to investigate roads, culverts, and bridges. They had bridge inspectors and maintenance crews in the area, including on Rainbow Bridge.

ITD said there is no indication of damage other than some small rock fall reported on the roads. Drivers can find up-to-date information on road closures and damage on Idaho511.com

The USGS provides up-to-date information regarding earthquakes, and that info can be found here. Click here for earthquake safety tips. 

Credit: USGS

Valley County posted to their social media a video showing they were in a meeting when the earthquake happened.

“Just the interconnectedness of our communities during these types of times always amazes me ... how people reach out and immediately make sure everybody's okay," Commissioner Sherry Maupin said. 

The video is posted below: 

Valley County Earthquake Feb 2024

Wow! Anyone else feel the earthquake this morning? If you missed it, check out the "caught-on-camera" quake at the Commissioners meeting this morning.

Posted by Valley County Idaho on Monday, February 26, 2024

KTVB viewer videos of the earthquake:

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