What are the biggest earthquakes in Seattle history?
The strongest earthquake within 100 km (62 mi) of Seattle since 1900 was the M6.8 2001 Nisqually, Washington earthquake on February 28, 2001, 59 km (36 mi) from downtown. USGS lists 5 earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 or greater there in that time.
Strongest since 1900 · M5.5+ within 100 km
From the USGS earthquake catalog, strongest first. Distances are from downtown.
- M6.82001 Nisqually, Washington earthquakeFeb 28, 2001 · 59 km (36 mi) awayUSGS
- M6.74 km WNW of Roy, WashingtonApr 13, 1949 · 69 km (43 mi) awayUSGS
- M6.71 km ENE of Dash Point, WashingtonApr 29, 1965 · 32 km (20 mi) awayUSGS
- M6.1Puget Sound region, WashingtonNov 12, 1939 · 39 km (24 mi) awayUSGS
- M5.8Puget Sound area, WashingtonFeb 14, 1946 · 56 km (35 mi) awayUSGS
Nearest active faults
Faults with movement in the last 1.6 million years, from the USGS Quaternary Fault and Fold Database. Slip rate is how fast the two sides move past each other on average.
- Seattle fault zone3 km (2 mi) from downtown · slip rate between 0.2 and 1.0 mm/yr
- southern Whidbey Island fault zone12 km (8 mi) from downtown · slip rate between 0.2 and 1.0 mm/yr
- Rattlesnake Mountain fault zone27 km (17 mi) from downtown · slip rate insufficient data
- Tacoma fault28 km (17 mi) from downtown · slip rate between 0.2 and 1.0 mm/yr
- Cherry Creek fault zone32 km (20 mi) from downtown · slip rate unspecified
- Carnation fault no. 135 km (22 mi) from downtown · slip rate unspecified
Can the next one be predicted?
No. USGS says no scientist has ever predicted a major earthquake, and none expects to; it publishes long-term probabilities instead. See USGS: Can you predict earthquakes? and the USGS earthquake hazard maps.