2 earthquakes detected ~70 miles south of Whatcom County

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Seismologists with the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PSNS) reported 2 earthquakes were detected today, Monday, January 20, 2025, about 70 miles south of Whatcom County.

Approximate earthquake epicenter

Both earthquakes were determined to have epicenters about 7 miles north of North Bend and were at a depth of about 10 miles.

The first earthquake occurred at 1:35pm and had a magnitude of 3.5.

“Shake Map” reflecting ground motion and shaking intensity. Source: Pacific Northwest Seismic Network

The second earthquake occurred at 5:03pm and had a magnitude of 2.8.

People who reported feeling the first earthquake reported it felt sudden and explosive instead of wavelike.

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake is at the low end of the “Light earthquake” range of M4 to M4.9. Earthquakes below this range may be felt locally and are not expected to cause damage.