West Yellowstone, Mont. – A magnitude 3.2 earthquake struck Wednesday evening about 26 kilometers west of Hebgen Lake Estates, in a seismically active zone just northwest of Yellowstone National Park. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at 5:23 p.m. MDT, with a depth of 12.5 kilometers.
According to the USGS, the earthquake’s epicenter was near U.S. Highway 87 between Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and Hebgen Lake, an area with a well-documented history of seismic activity, including the devastating 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake. Early reports indicated light shaking, with at least three residents submitting “Did You Feel It?” responses online.
No damage or injuries have been reported, but officials remind those in the Yellowstone region to remain prepared for aftershocks. Minor quakes are not unusual here due to the area’s complex fault systems and volcanic activity beneath Yellowstone.
Local emergency management advises residents to secure heavy objects in homes and ensure emergency kits are stocked, especially given the region’s remote location and limited immediate response resources.
Seismic monitoring will continue in the coming days, with more updates expected if additional tremors occur.
