Earthquakes Near Boise Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Boise, Idaho.
Checking live USGS data near Boise…
Why Boise gets earthquakes
Boise felt its strongest shaking in decades on March 31, 2020, when the M6.5 Stanley earthquake struck near the Sawtooth Mountains about 80 miles northeast — Idaho's second-largest recorded quake, felt by millions across the Northwest.
Idaho's central mountains are part of the Intermountain Seismic Belt: the 1983 Borah Peak earthquake (M6.9), the state's largest, killed two children in Challis and raised a fresh fault scarp along the Lost River Range. The Boise Valley itself has lower activity, but the Squaw Creek fault and foothills structures are mapped nearby.
Boise earthquake FAQ
▸Did Boise just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Boise 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 Boise?
Boise mostly feels quakes from central Idaho's active belt — the 2020 Stanley M6.5 near the Sawtooth fault and the 1983 Borah Peak M6.9 on the Lost River fault. Closer to town, the Squaw Creek fault is the main mapped source.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Boise, ID?
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 Boise?
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.