Minor Earthquake Rattles Jackson Area, No Damage Reported

A minor earthquake shook parts of western Wyoming late Thursday night, briefly startling residents in and around Jackson, Country Herald reports.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the magnitude 3.9 tremor at 11:07 p.m. MDT, approximately 16 kilometers east of Jackson in Teton County.

The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 3.8 kilometers, contributing to its noticeable effects despite its relatively modest magnitude. While felt by dozens of residents, officials confirmed there were no reports of damage or injuries as of Friday morning.

More than 80 individuals submitted “Did You Feel It?” reports to the USGS, most from Jackson and nearby communities. Localized ShakeMap readings indicated intensity level IV, which suggests light shaking often felt indoors but not typically strong enough to cause structural harm.

The USGS assessed the event’s potential economic and fatality impact as “green,” the agency’s lowest alert category. Emergency services did not issue any official alerts but used the opportunity to remind the public of the importance of earthquake preparedness.

Teton County, located near the active Teton fault and the seismically dynamic Yellowstone region, is no stranger to seismic events. While quakes of this size are not unusual, they serve as a reminder of the area’s underlying tectonic activity.

Residents are encouraged to review safety practices, including securing heavy furniture, identifying safe spots in their homes, and assembling emergency supply kits.

Authorities will continue to monitor for possible aftershocks and provide updates if conditions change.