2018 Gulf of Alaska earthquake
On January 23, 2018, at 00:31 AKST, an earthquake occurred in the Gulf of Alaska near Kodiak Island. The earthquake, measured at 7.9 on the Mw scale, was approximately 280 kilometers (170 mi) southeast of Kodiak and happened at a depth of 25 kilometers (16 mi).
Anchorage | |
| UTC time | 2018-01-23 09:31:40 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 611653794 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | January 23, 2018 |
| Local time | 00:31:42 Alaska Standard Time |
| Magnitude | 7.9 Mww |
| Depth | 25 km (15.5 mi) |
| Epicenter | 56.046°N 149.073°W |
| Type | Strike-slip |
| Areas affected | United States Canada |
| Max. intensity | MMI V (Moderate) |
| Tsunami | Yes |
| Aftershocks | 564 (As of 1 March 2018) |
| Casualties | None |
It was initially measured as a M 8.2 event, but later downgraded by the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake was felt throughout most of southern Alaska, including the major cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks, and parts of neighboring British Columbia.
The earthquake prompted tsunami warnings and advisories for Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii. Residents in low-lying areas along the Gulf of Alaska and in British Columbia were evacuated to shelters and higher ground. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later cancelled most of the alerts within four hours of the earthquake, due to the apparent lack of tsunami. The highest recorded waves after the event measured at under 8.3 inches (21 cm) above tide level on Kodiak Island.