Tahoe City, California – A small earthquake was recorded late Friday night west of Lake Tahoe, briefly shaking parts of the Tahoe Basin but causing no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake occurred at approximately 11:17 p.m. local time Friday, centered about 25 kilometers west of Sunnyside–Tahoe City. The quake originated at a shallow depth of roughly 1.3 kilometers, which can increase the likelihood of the shaking being felt near the epicenter.
The USGS classified the event as a minor earthquake. While quakes of this size are generally not strong enough to cause structural damage, they can be noticeable, especially at night when background noise is low. A small number of “Did You Feel It?” reports were submitted to the USGS, indicating light shaking in nearby communities.
The epicenter was located in a seismically active region of Northern California, where small earthquakes occur periodically due to complex fault systems surrounding the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe Basin. Officials emphasized that events of this magnitude are common and typically not a cause for concern.
No road closures, utility disruptions, or emergency responses were reported following the earthquake. Areas near Highway 89, Highway 28, and local roads west of Lake Tahoe remained open and unaffected.
Emergency officials remind residents that even small earthquakes serve as a reminder to review basic preparedness steps, including securing heavy items, knowing safe places to take cover, and having emergency supplies available.
The USGS continues to monitor seismic activity in the region and has not indicated an increased risk of larger earthquakes following this event.
Residents who felt the shaking are encouraged to submit reports through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system, which helps scientists better understand how earthquakes impact local communities.
