Earthquakes Near Bozeman Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Bozeman, Montana.
Checking live USGS data near Bozeman…
Why Bozeman gets earthquakes
Bozeman sits in the Intermountain Seismic Belt, the band of faults running from Yellowstone through western Montana. The 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake (M7.3) — the deadliest in Rocky Mountain history — struck 60 miles south, killing 28 people in a massive landslide and creating Quake Lake.
The 1925 Clarkston Valley quake (M6.6) hit just northwest of Bozeman, and the 2017 Lincoln, Montana M5.8 was felt across the state. Add the constant swarm activity of the Yellowstone volcanic system to the southeast, and the Gallatin Valley records small quakes year-round.
Bozeman earthquake FAQ
▸Did Bozeman just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Bozeman 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 Bozeman?
Bozeman lies in the Intermountain Seismic Belt between the 1959 Hebgen Lake M7.3 rupture zone to the south and the 1925 Clarkston Valley M6.6 source to the northwest. Yellowstone's swarms and local faults like the Bridger Range front add frequent small events.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Bozeman, MT?
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 Bozeman?
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.