Idaho’s Unusual Earthquake Spike Fuels Imminent Danger Concerns: ‘Be Prepared’
Idaho Shaken by Unusual Earthquake Swarm Near Sawtooth Fault
By Chris Melore, Assistant Science Editor for DailyMail.com
A sudden surge of earthquakes has rattled central Idaho, with over 33 tremors recorded near the town of Stanley since Monday afternoon. The strongest, a magnitude 3.9 quake, struck Tuesday morning, part of a concerning seismic swarm that experts call “unusual” for the region.
The Activity at a Glance
- 33 earthquakes hit within 24 hours, including four exceeding magnitude 3.5.
- The swarm began June 3, 2025, centered near Stanley (population: 150).
- No damage reported, but fears linger about the nearby Sawtooth Fault, a dormant “sleeping giant” capable of magnitude 7.0+ quakes.
[Image: Map of Idaho highlighting earthquake epicenters near Stanley.]
Why It Matters
Stanley sits close to the Sawtooth Fault, a 40-mile-long crack in Earth’s crust discovered in 2010. This fault caused a magnitude 6.5 quake in 2020—Idaho’s largest in decades—felt across multiple states. While currently quiet, geologists warn it could unleash devastating shaking if fully activated.
“When earthquakes cluster in one area, they reveal the fault’s location and behavior,” said Idaho state geologist Claudio Berti. However, he admitted uncertainty about what’s next: “It’s unclear if this swarm is a precursor to something larger.”
[Image: Aerial view of Sawtooth Mountains, illustrating the fault’s rugged terrain.]
Understanding the Risk
Earthquakes occur as tectonic plates shift, building stress that releases in sudden slips. The Sawtooth Fault, part of the western U.S. Basin and Range Province, has been dormant for millennia but remains geologically active.
Key facts:
- Over 130 tremors have struck near Stanley in the past three weeks.
- Quakes between magnitudes 2.5–5.4 are typically felt but rarely destructive.
- A magnitude 7.0+ quake could impact areas hundreds of miles away.
The Big Picture
While current activity hasn’t caused harm, officials urge preparedness. Stanley’s remote location limits immediate threat, but the region’s history underscores the need for caution.
[Image: Graphic showing tectonic plate movement and fault lines.]
As seismologists monitor the swarm, residents are reminded to secure heavy furniture, create emergency plans, and stay alert for updates. For now, Idaho’s “sleeping giant” remains restless—but whether it will fully awaken remains unknown.
Published: 15:25 BST, 3 June 2025 | Updated: 16:30 BST, 3 June 2025
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