EarthQuakes in Maple Valley? You Bet!

Hobart was shaking. At least that’s what the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network tells us happened earlier this month, on  February 4, when a  series of 4 small 2.0 magnatude Earthquakes occurred. The quakes were centered in the Hobart area, a rural community located South of Issaquah Washington and East of Maple Valley, WA. Personally, I didn’t feel a thing and don’t know anyone in the area who did. These small tremors seem to be a common occurrence in the Pacific Northwest.

The only Earthquake of any magnatude I’ve experienced since moving to the Northwest in 1987 was seven years ago when the Nisqually Earthquake, a magnatude 6.8, had the whole Seattle area trembling. Being from the Mid-west, I was used to Tornado safety and called my 13 year old, who was at home sick and told him to hurry and get in the basement. Then I realized, wait, that’s not what you’re supposed to do! And I called him back to tell him to under a table! Fortuntately the only damage we sustained in our Maple Valley home was to a few picture frames and nick-nacks. But I know of a few homes and buildings in the area which sustaind significant structural damage. This is a photo of the runway at Sea Tac airport.

If you’re interested in learning more about Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest Area, visit the PNSN. Or for safety related information as it pertains to your home during an Earthquake visit King County’s website.