4.2

M4.2 Earthquake 18 km SE of Silver Springs, NevadaApril 19, 2026

2026-04-19 12:43:31 UTC (2 hours ago)

Felt by 55 people across nearby locations. Maximum shaking intensity MMI 4.4 (moderate). Aftershock of the M5.7 mainshock.

green Alertno significant casualties or damage expected

On April 19, 2026 at 12:43 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 18 km SE of Silver Springs, Nevada, at a depth of 3.0 km and coordinates 39.2754°, -119.0985°. The earthquake was reported felt by 55 peopleacross nearby locations, with a maximum shaking intensity of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) 4.4 (moderate). The USGS PAGER system issued a green alert level for this event, indicating no significant casualties or damage expected. This earthquake was detected by 8 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 284, placing it among routine seismic activity. The nearest populated place is Silver Springs (population 4,684).

This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.7 mainshock that occurred 5 days ago 20 km ESE of Silver Springs, Nevada. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 132 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

The epicenter is located in Nevada, a region characterized by Basin and Range extensional tectonics, where normal faulting accommodates east-west crustal stretching at approximately 10 mm per year. The nearest mapped fault system is the Walker Lane fault zone. View all earthquakes in Nevada.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Nearest Populated Places

Silver Springspop. 4,684
MMI 3.6 (light)
Stagecoachpop. 2,313
MMI 3.0 (light)
Fallonpop. 9,068
MMI 2.9 (weak)
Daytonpop. 15,036
MMI 2.7 (weak)
Yeringtonpop. 3,093
MMI 2.5 (weak)
Smith Valleypop. 1,454
MMI 2.4 (weak)
Map showing earthquake epicenter at 39.28°, -119.10°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.2 mw
Depth
3.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
39.2754°N
-119.0985°E
Felt Reports
55
DYFI responses
Intensity (MMI)
4.4
moderate
Community Intensity
3.4
CDI from reports

Technical Information

Event ID
nn00915459
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
284
Stations Used
8
Azimuthal Gap
87.0°
Min Station Distance
0.051°
RMS Residual
0.19 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-19 14:37:49 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Silver Springs, Nevada?

The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 18 km SE of Silver Springs, Nevada on April 19, 2026 at 12:43 UTC had a depth of 3.0 km. It was felt by 55 people with maximum shaking intensity of MMI 4.4 (moderate). For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 39.2754°, -119.0985°, which is 18 km SE of Silver Springs, Nevada. The nearest populated place is Silver Springs (population 4,684). View all earthquakes in Nevada.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.7 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.7 mainshock that occurred earlier 20 km ESE of Silver Springs, Nevada. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Has Nevada had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Nevada was the M7.3 Pleasant Valley earthquake of October 2, 1915. Today's magnitude 4.2 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

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.