A magnitude 4.1 earthquake was recorded near Dillon on Monday, October 7, 2024, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event occurred shortly before 1 a.m. and was centered approximately 7.4 miles east of Dillon at a depth of about 8.5 miles.
Residents in Butte, Helena, Anaconda, Bozeman, Clancy, Gardiner, and Lincoln reported feeling the tremor. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or injuries associated with the earthquake.
Montana is known for being in one of the most seismically active areas in the United States. The intermountain seismic belt, which traverses the western third of the state, is the site of most earthquake activity in Montana. Although most quakes are minor and often go unnoticed, there have been significant events in the state’s history.
Notably, the 7.3 magnitude Hebgen Lake earthquake on August 17, 1959, triggered over 160 new geysers in Yellowstone National Park and caused around 28 fatalities due to a rockslide in Madison Canyon. More recently, on July 6, 2017, a powerful 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Lincoln, with tremors felt as far away as Vancouver and Lethbridge, Canada. Although it caused minor damage, there were no serious injuries or fatalities.
While central and eastern Montana are less earthquake-prone, there have been a few significant seismic events recorded, such as a 5.3 magnitude quake in northeastern Montana on May 15, 1909. The town of Froid experienced an estimated 4.5 magnitude quake in 1943, which resulted in damage to a grain bin.
Although large earthquakes are infrequent, small quakes happen several times a day in the state.