Minor M 3.1 Earthquake Recorded 74 km NE of Tonopah, Nevada

What Happened

A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.12 ml was recorded on March 12, 2026, at 06:07 UTC. The seismic event occurred at a shallow depth of 9.7 km, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Location Details

The epicenter was located at coordinates 38.454°N and 116.5378°W, positioned approximately 74 km (46 miles) northeast of Tonopah, Nevada. The depth of 9.7 km is classified as shallow; earthquakes occurring at depths less than 20 km are typically more likely to be felt by people near the epicenter than deeper events.

Impact Assessment

At this time, there have been no felt reports submitted to the USGS regarding this event. No tsunami warnings, advisories, or threats have been issued. The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) was calculated at 2.937, which indicates weak shaking. Given the magnitude and remote location, no damage or injuries are expected.

What You Should Know

Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are classified as minor. While these events are often felt by people in the immediate area, they rarely cause structural damage. Residents in seismically active regions are encouraged to remain prepared and follow standard safety protocols, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” during any shaking.

Source

Detailed data for this event is provided by the USGS Earthquake Event Page.