A Powerful Jolt Felt Across Northern Utah
A 3.9 magnitude earthquake shook parts of Utah early on May 1, 2025. The quake hit near Strawberry Reservoir, about 19 miles east of Provo. It was felt across the Wasatch Front, including Orem, Spanish Fork, and Bountiful.
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations confirmed the earthquake utah epicenter. It occurred southeast of the reservoir and at a shallow depth, which explains the widespread shaking.
Residents React as Ground Shakes
People across the state reported feeling the quake. One resident in Orem said, “My house jolted for a second—it felt like something slammed into it.” In Pleasant Grove, a woman described the house as shaking from end to end.
Though the earthquake caused no injuries or damage, it left many residents shaken. It also revived conversations about the region’s earthquake risk.
Why This Earthquake in Utah Matters
Utah is no stranger to seismic activity. Since 1981, the area near Strawberry Reservoir has experienced over 50 earthquakes greater than magnitude 2.0. The largest in that area until now was a 3.6 quake in 2021.
Experts say that Utah could be hit by a much stronger earthquake in the near future. The state’s most dangerous fault line—the Wasatch Fault—runs directly under its largest population centers.
Experts Warn of a Much Bigger Quake
According to State Geologist Bill Keach, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake is possible. Such a quake would be 170 times stronger than the one that hit Magna in 2020.
That 2020 quake caused over $65 million in damages. A stronger quake could kill thousands, injure tens of thousands, and cause over $80 billion in losses.
Utah Is Taking Earthquake Preparedness Seriously
Utah is working to improve earthquake readiness. Each year, the state holds the Great Utah ShakeOut, a public safety drill. It teaches people how to protect themselves during an earthquake.
A new Commission on Earthquake Preparedness is also in the works. It will help schools, businesses, and families get ready for the next major earthquake in State
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Here are five steps you can take now:
- Secure heavy furniture to walls.
- Build an emergency kit with food, water, and supplies.
- Know safe zones in each room, like under sturdy tables.
- Create a family emergency plan.
- Join the ShakeOut drill every year.
Final Thoughts on the Earthquake Utah Just Experienced
The recent earthquake may have been small, but it was a clear reminder: Utah is earthquake country. Preparing now could save lives when a bigger quake hits.
For real-time updates and more information, visit Earthquake Track and follow the University of Utah Seismograph Stations.