Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake Recorded Near Dillon, Montana

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake was detected near Dillon, Montana, in the early hours of Monday, October 7, 2024, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event was recorded just before 1 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 7.4 miles east of Dillon at a depth of 8.5 miles.

Residents in surrounding areas, including Butte, Helena, Anaconda, Bozeman, Clancy, Gardiner, and Lincoln, reported feeling the earthquake, as conveyed through various social media platforms. Despite these reports, there have been no immediate accounts of damage or injuries resulting from the quake.

Montana is recognized as one of the most seismically active regions in the United States, largely due to the intermountain seismic belt that traverses the western third of the state. While most seismic activity in Montana consists of minor quakes that often go unnoticed by the general population, the state has experienced significant historical earthquakes. A notable example includes the 7.3 magnitude Hebgen Lake earthquake on August 17, 1959, which resulted in the tragic loss of 28 lives due to a rockslide in Madison Canyon and created approximately 160 new geysers in Yellowstone National Park.

Another significant event occurred on July 6, 2017, when a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Lincoln, Montana, one of the strongest recorded in the state in several decades. This earthquake was felt across a broad area, with reports extending into Vancouver, Canada, and as far as Lethbridge.

Although central and eastern Montana are less susceptible to earthquakes, some noteworthy seismic events have occurred. For instance, northeastern Montana experienced a magnitude 5.3 earthquake on May 15, 1909. Additionally, a 4.5 magnitude quake was reported in the town of Froid in 1943, which caused damage to a grain bin.