M 3.0 Earthquake Reported Near Cathcart, Washington
A minor magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred early Saturday morning near Cathcart, Washington, with dozens of residents reporting light shaking.
What Happened
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.02 ml occurred on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 13:42:46 UTC (5:42 AM local time). The seismic event was centered approximately 2 km southeast of Cathcart, Washington. The event has been reviewed by seismologists.
Location Details
The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 47.83°N and 122.07°W. The event occurred at a depth of 23.88 km. In geological terms, this is considered an intermediate-depth earthquake, as it occurred between 20 and 70 km below the surface.
Impact Assessment
According to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” service, 36 individuals reported feeling the tremor. There was no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning issued in connection with this event. No specific alert level color was assigned, and there have been no reports of damage or injuries associated with this routine seismic activity.
What You Should Know
Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are classified as minor. While they are often felt by people near the epicenter, they rarely cause structural damage. Residents in the Pacific Northwest should remain aware that aftershocks are a possibility following any seismic event, though they are typically smaller than the initial quake.
Source
Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice