6 May 1999

11:00 AM PST

The University of Nevada Seismological Laboratory recorded an earthquake of M = 2.6 at 5:51 AM (PDT) today, May 6. The preliminary location of the event is 35.98N, 114.83W, which puts it approximately at Boulder City, Nevada, roughly 32 km (20 mi) southeast of Las Vegas. The depth was computed to be approximately 11 km (7 mi), but depth is not well determined due to lack of near recording stations.

The Seismological Laboratory has received several felt reports for this earthquake, in spite of its relatively small magnitude. This earthquake occurred in an area which has been historically active since the filling of Lake Mead began in the late 1930's. Since then, many earthquakes have occurred in this area, including some with magnitude 5.0 or slightly larger. Thus, an event of today's size is not unexpected at this location.

The data reported here is preliminary. For more information, contact the Seismological Laboratory, (775) 784-4975. The free pamphlet "Earthquakes in Nevada and How to Survive Them," is available on request.