Winnett, Montana – A light earthquake measuring 2.6 magnitude struck approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Winnett on Tuesday evening, though no damage or injuries were reported.
According to the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology, the quake occurred at 3:17 p.m. local time (21:17 UTC) and originated at a depth of 10.4 kilometers. The seismic event was reviewed and confirmed by state geologists.
While a 2.6 magnitude quake is considered minor, tremors like this are not uncommon in central Montana, particularly along subtle fault lines in the Northern Rocky Mountain region. No felt reports had been submitted as of Wednesday morning, suggesting the quake may have gone unnoticed by many residents.
Winnett and surrounding rural communities in Petroleum County are not strangers to minor seismic activity, though events of this magnitude rarely cause structural impact. Residents are still encouraged to report shaking to USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” tool to assist with seismic mapping.
No aftershocks have been recorded, but scientists continue to monitor the area for additional activity.
