An earthquake struck northern Alberta on Thursday morning, with tremors felt in several communities.
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Residents in Edson, Grande Prairie, Whitecourt, Jasper, Hinton and Prince George, B.C., reported light shaking, though there have been no reports of damage.
Earthquakes Canada recorded the 4.7-magnitude quake at 8:41 a.m. The epicentre was located at latitude 54.34° N and longitude 118.56° W at a depth of 7.1 kilometres.
The tremor occurred just weeks after a smaller earthquake was recorded near Banff and Lake Louise. Initially measured at magnitude 4.5, it was later downgraded to 3.7.
While Alberta is not typically known for seismic activity, the province has recorded an increasing number of earthquakes in recent years. The Geological Survey of Canada has tracked nearly 5,000 seismic events in Alberta since 2006—an average of 291 per year, up from just 19 annually between 1985 and 2005.
Most of these earthquakes are minor, with 98.4 per cent registering below magnitude 3.5, according to the Alberta Energy Regulator. Only a small fraction exceed magnitude 5.0.
The largest recorded earthquake in Alberta was a 5.6-magnitude tremor in November 2022, which caused minor property damage.
While Thursday’s earthquake caused no known damage, experts continue to stress the importance of preparedness as seismic activity trends upward.
Earthquakes Canada advises residents to secure heavy objects in their homes and have an emergency plan in place. In the event of an earthquake, people are advised to take cover under sturdy furniture, avoid windows and exterior walls, and remain indoors until shaking stops.
The Geological Survey of Canada continues to monitor seismic activity across the country.
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