Whites City, New Mexico – A measurable ground shake was recorded near one of New Mexico’s busiest tourist corridors Saturday afternoon, as a magnitude 3.2 earthquake struck just northwest of Whites City, close to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit at 1:01 p.m. UTC (7:01 a.m. MDT) at a depth of about 10.4 kilometers, roughly 12 kilometers northwest of Whites City in Eddy County. The epicenter sits near U.S. Route 62/180, a key roadway connecting Carlsbad to the Guadalupe Mountains and West Texas.
While a 3.2 magnitude quake is considered minor, residents and visitors near Carlsbad Caverns, Whites City, and parts of southern Eddy County may have felt a brief, light tremor. No immediate reports of damage or injuries have surfaced, and infrastructure impacts appear minimal.
The area sits within the broader Permian Basin, where seismic activity has increased in recent years, often linked to oil and gas operations. Nearby landmarks include Carlsbad Caverns National Park, drawing thousands of visitors daily, and the Guadalupe Mountains just across the Texas border.
Drivers along Route 62/180 and visitors entering the cavern systems are not expected to face disruptions, but officials recommend staying aware of surroundings in the event of aftershocks, even though the risk remains low.
USGS continues to monitor seismic activity in southeastern New Mexico. Additional updates or localized reports could emerge through Saturday evening if further movement is detected.
