M3.0 Earthquake 7 km NE of Coso Junction, CA — January 17, 2026
2026-01-17 22:43:29 UTC (2026-01-17) · approx. 2:43 PM UTC-8 local
On January 17, 2026 at 22:43 UTC, a magnitude 3.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 7 km NE of Coso Junction, CA, at a depth of 5.6 km and coordinates 36.0927°, -117.8962°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 494 kg of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 72 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
-117.8962°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 3.0 earthquake near Coso Junction, CA?
The magnitude 3.0 earthquake that struck 7 km NE of Coso Junction, CA on January 17, 2026 at 22:43 UTC had a depth of 5.6 km. For context, this was a minor earthquake typically detected only by instruments.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 3.0 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 3.0 earthquakes are typically only recorded by instruments.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: ci41160695). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, January 17, 2026). M3.0 Earthquake 7 km NE of Coso Junction, CA — January 17, 2026. Retrieved May 22, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/ci41160695/