Tonasket, WA — A minor earthquake struck early Tuesday near the northeastern Washington town of Tonasket, briefly shaking communities along the U.S.-Canada border.
According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), the 3.0 magnitude quake occurred at 7:23 a.m. PDT, about 9 kilometers northwest of Tonasket. The quake originated at a depth of 13.6 kilometers and was felt lightly in surrounding areas, though no damage has been reported.
Located just northeast of Seattle and close to the Canadian border, this area experiences occasional seismic activity, though quakes of this magnitude are generally not destructive. As of Tuesday afternoon, 24 residents submitted reports to the U.S. Geological Survey’s “Did You Feel It?” portal, with most describing weak to light shaking.
The region, part of Okanogan County, is not considered a major fault zone like western Washington, but mild tremors are not uncommon. Tuesday’s event serves as a reminder of the state’s broader vulnerability to earthquakes, including more powerful events along the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
Residents are encouraged to review earthquake preparedness plans and ensure emergency kits are stocked. For more information and updates, visit earthquake.usgs.gov.
