2 significant earthquakes reported in northern Alberta

Potentially two of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in Alberta were reported in northern Alberta Tuesday. 

According to Earthquakes Canada, two seismic events were recorded Tuesday: a 6.0-magnitude quake and a 5.2-magnitude quake. 

Earthquake reports are often revised, but a 6.0 earthquake would be the most significant natural earthquake ever reported in Alberta.

The province’s strongest natural earthquake — a magnitude 5.4 — occurred in April 2001 near the Alberta-B.C. border, about 40 km northeast of Dawson Creek, B.C.

The location of the 5.2-earthquake was about 29 kilometres east-northeast of the hamlet of Reno, Alta., which is about 360 kilometres northwest of Edmonton in the Peace River region and 200 kilometres northwest of Dawson Creek, B.C.

The depth of the quake was estimated to be four kilometres and it occurred around 4:45 p.m. MT.

A second, more significant quake was recorded around 5:55 p.m. Tuesday near Reno. It has been reported to be a magnitude 6.0 and occurred at a depth of two kilometres.

As of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Earthquakes Canada has no reported damage from the second quake. The event would have been “Strongly felt in the surrounding area.,” according to the agency’s website. Reports from citizens on the earthquake show it was also felt in Edmonton, Calgary and Fort McMurray as well as other communities in Alberta and northern B.C.

At least three other events were recorded in the Reno, Alta. area within the last week — two 4.1-magnitude quakes and one that measured as 4.5 magnitude.