Yakutat, AK – A fast-developing earthquake swarm shook a remote stretch north of Yakutat early this evening, with seven measurable quakes striking within about 45 minutes near Yakutat Bay, the Malaspina Glacier, and the western edge of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the strongest event was a magnitude 4.6 quake at 6:04 p.m. UTC (9:04 a.m. AKST), located roughly 103 kilometers north of Yakutat at a depth of 8.2 kilometers. Six smaller quakes followed between magnitude 2.6 and 3.8, occurring between 6:24 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. UTC.
Most of the earthquakes were tightly clustered between 92 and 103 kilometers north of Yakutat, in a region known for deep crustal faulting along the Pacific–North American plate boundary. The swarm unfolded near rugged glacier terrain bordering Icy Bay, with depths ranging from 10 to 12 kilometers.
No damage reports or citizen-filed felt reports have been submitted so far, and no tsunami alerts have been issued. The area is sparsely populated, but Yakutat residents may notice minor shaking if the swarm continues or intensifies.
USGS noted that swarms of this kind are not uncommon in southeast Alaska, especially near subduction-influenced fault systems and glacially loaded coastal zones. While a single larger event can occasionally follow a swarm, most sequences dissipate without escalation.
Scientists will continue monitoring the cluster for changes. Residents in Yakutat, Icy Bay, and the outer coast are encouraged to report any shaking they feel to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system.
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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