Earthquakes Near Anchorage Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Anchorage, Alaska.
Checking live USGS data near Anchorage…
Why Anchorage gets earthquakes
Anchorage sits above the Alaska–Aleutian subduction zone, source of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake — at M9.2, the second-largest ever recorded on Earth. It shook for over four minutes, dropped whole neighborhoods like Turnagain Heights into the sea via landslides, and sent tsunamis as far as California.
On November 30, 2018, an M7.1 intraslab quake directly beneath the city collapsed roads and closed schools for a week, though modern building codes prevented deaths. Alaska records more earthquakes than all other U.S. states combined, and Anchorage residents feel several per year.
Anchorage earthquake FAQ
▸Did Anchorage just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Anchorage and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Anchorage?
Anchorage sits above the Alaska–Aleutian megathrust, source of the 1964 M9.2 quake. Deep intraslab events like the 2018 M7.1 strike beneath the city, and crustal faults such as the Castle Mountain fault north of town add further sources.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Anchorage, AK?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Anchorage?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.