Tonasket, Washington – A light earthquake rattled north-central Washington near the U.S.-Canada border early Sunday, with shaking reported shortly after 1 a.m. in the Tonasket area.
According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, a magnitude 3.2 quake struck at 1:10 a.m. PDT, centered about 8 kilometers northwest of Tonasket and just miles from the Canadian border. The tremor originated at a depth of 14.9 kilometers and was felt by residents as far north as Oroville and potentially into southern British Columbia.
The U.S. Geological Survey received at least 27 community reports of light shaking, with an estimated intensity of level III on the Modified Mercalli scale — strong enough to be noticed but unlikely to cause damage. Communities along Highway 97, including border stations like Nighthawk and nearby Canadian towns such as Osoyoos, may have experienced minor vibrations.
There are no reports of damage or injuries. However, emergency officials recommend residents in seismically active areas secure heavy furniture and check emergency kits as part of routine preparedness.
This quake poses no tsunami threat. Aftershocks are not expected, but seismologists will continue to monitor the region for any further seismic activity.
