M 3.5 Minor Earthquake Recorded 73 km NE of Tonopah, Nevada

What Happened

A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 ml occurred on March 17, 2026, at 15:06:52 UTC. The event was centered approximately 73 kilometers northeast of Tonopah, Nevada. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the seismic activity has been reviewed by a seismologist and is considered a routine geological event.

Location Details

The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 38.4594°N and 116.5514°W. The event occurred at a depth of 7.6 kilometers (approximately 4.7 miles). Earthquakes at this depth are classified as shallow; shallow quakes (less than 20km) are often more likely to be felt on the surface than deeper events, though their impact remains localized.

Impact Assessment

At the time of this report, there have been no official felt reports submitted to the USGS. There is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect for this inland event. No alert level color was assigned to this earthquake, and there are no reports of damage or injuries associated with this magnitude.

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 region should remain aware that aftershocks are a possibility following seismic events, though they are typically smaller than the initial quake.

Source

Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.