Elfin Cove, Alaska – A moderate earthquake rattled the outer coast of Southeast Alaska on Friday evening, with light shaking reported along remote stretches northwest of Elfin Cove. The magnitude 3.6 quake struck offshore, but its shallow depth raised brief concern among nearby coastal communities.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at 22:00 UTC Friday at a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located roughly 86 kilometers northwest of Elfin Cove, in a seismically active zone where offshore faults routinely generate small to moderate quakes.
Communities from Elfin Cove to Gustavus may have felt a quick jolt, though no damage reports have surfaced. Local emergency officials often remind residents in this region to remain aware of tsunami protocols, particularly for shallow offshore quakes, even when magnitude remains modest. No alerts or advisories were issued Friday evening.
Alaska’s coastal communities experience hundreds of small quakes each year, and residents are urged to keep go-bags stocked, know evacuation routes, and secure items that could fall during sudden shaking.
USGS continues to monitor activity in the area, and more updates will be issued if additional seismic movement develops.
