Grande Cache, Alberta – Residents in northern Alberta may have felt light shaking Thursday morning after a magnitude 4.0 earthquake was recorded northeast of Grande Cache.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck Thursday, January 23, at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time (17:00 UTC). The epicenter was located about 64 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of Grande Cache, a town in Grande Cache County, within western Alberta. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 6.1 kilometers, which can increase the likelihood of being felt near the surface.
USGS data shows the earthquake was reviewed and confirmed, with a magnitude classification of 4.0 mb. Shallow earthquakes of this size are typically felt by people close to the epicenter but rarely cause structural damage.
As of Thursday afternoon, no injuries or damage had been reported. The USGS “Did You Feel It?” system had not yet logged public reports, though residents across Grande Cache County, nearby rural communities, and parts of northwestern Alberta may have noticed brief shaking.
Earthquakes in Alberta are less common than in western British Columbia but do occur, sometimes linked to natural seismic activity or, in certain regions, human-induced factors such as energy development. The USGS has not indicated whether this event was induced or naturally occurring.
Emergency officials have not issued alerts or advisories related to the quake. Residents are encouraged to report any shaking or damage to local authorities and through the USGS felt-report system, which helps scientists better understand seismic impacts.
If you live near Grande Cache or felt the earthquake, your report can help improve regional seismic monitoring.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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