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.
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.
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:
KTVB viewer videos of the earthquake:
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.