Magnitude 3.9 earthquake felt in rural northern Nevada


Save Story

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

GERLACH, Nev. (AP) — Seismologists say a magnitude 3.9 earthquake reported in rural northern Nevada was felt near the site of the Burning Man festival in the Black Rock Desert.

The Nevada Seismological Laboratory at the University of Nevada in Reno said Tuesday that the earthquake hit about 7:20 a.m. Saturday.

It marks the largest movement in a series of 300 earthquakes felt in Gerlach and Empire, which is about 75 miles north of Reno in the last month.

Gerlach is located near significant faults but hasn't had a major earthquake recorded in history.

Still, seismologists are warning people in the area to be prepared to survive for three days without access and services should one strike.

The Burning Man festival will be at the Black Rock Desert from August 28 to September 5.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Most recent U.S. stories

Related topics

The Associated Press
    KSL.com Beyond Business
    KSL.com Beyond Series

    KSL Weather Forecast

    KSL Weather Forecast
    Play button