Aftershocks from 5.5 Nevada earthquake could continue for months

By Siobhan McAndrew and Brett McGinness, Reno Gazette Journal 

Aftershocks from a 5.5-magnitude earthquake near Fallon, about 60 miles east of Reno, could continue for months, according to the University of Nevada, Reno Seismological Laboratory.

The earthquake struck at 6:29 p.m. Monday, April 13, and was initially estimated to be about 16 miles southwest of Fallon.

Determining the exact location of the earthquake can take weeks as scientists analyze seismic data and monitor aftershocks. Initial locations are generated by computer models and later refined through additional research, officials said.

More than 120 aftershocks were recorded overnight following the earthquake, according to Kyren Bogolub, a seismologist with the university. Most aftershocks measured between magnitude 1.0 and 3.5.

Field teams were in Fallon on Tuesday morning installing temporary seismic stations to better study aftershocks and detect any potential larger earthquakes.

Bogolub said there is currently no scientific way to determine whether Monday night’s earthquake could be a precursor to a stronger one or if it will remain part of a prolonged aftershock sequence.

“It’s just a reminder that we always want to be prepared in case a large one happens,” she said. “Drop, cover and hold on.”

The seismological lab has deployed additional equipment to monitor aftershocks that could continue for months.

Bogolub said aftershocks are still being recorded from a 5.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Parker Butte on Dec. 9, 2024.

That earthquake near Yerington was felt in Reno, Carson City and parts of California.

Lahontan Dam undamaged after Monday quake

Fallon’s infrastructure was intact Tuesday morning, according to Churchill County public information officer Anne McMillan. County inspectors hadn’t discovered damage to roads or utilities 18 hours after the quake.

“I think we managed to be relatively unscathed,” McMillan told the RGJ.

Lahontan Dam, a Bureau of Reclamation project on the Churchill-Lyon county line, is a little over 9 miles north of the quake’s epicenter. It was inspected Monday evening within 10 minutes of the earthquake, and no damage was reported, according to Ben Shawcroft, general manager with the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District.

Other TCID irrigation infrastructure appears to have suffered no adverse effects.

“We have ditch riders all over the area,” Shawcroft said. “They have specific areas they’re responsible for, and they’re out 24/7. They also did not observe anything.”

The dam, completed in 1915, is maintained by TCID and inspected by Bureau of Reclamation engineers every four years.

“I think people can feel at ease knowing that that thing is very strong,” Shawcroft said.

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