Small, medium quakes common in Southern Utah; but what about the ‘big one?’

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A building shows damage from the Springdale landslide, Springdale, Sept. 2, 1992. (Utah Geological and Mineral Survey, St. George News)

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ST. GEORGE — It’s happened before, and it’ll happen again — a “rolling shake” underfoot lasting seconds, maybe longer. Lower magnitude earthquakes are common in seismically active Southern Utah, but what about the “big one?”

On Sept. 19, St. George News reported a 4.4 magnitude earthquake with a focus point on Shivwits Plateau in Arizona, 31 miles south of St. George. The “shallow shaker” occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles.

The quake reportedly was felt throughout the St. George metro area, Mesquite, Kanab, Cedar City and as far as Brian Head, according to one report. However, no injuries or property damages were reported.

About 1,500 earthquakes occur annually in Utah, including aftershocks, with an average of approximately 13 measured at a magnitude of 3.0 or more, according to the University of Utah. About 2% of these are felt.

On Sept. 2, 1992, Washington County was rocked by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake, which was the largest in recent history.

Read the full article at St. George News.

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