Cascadia Historic Earthquake Catalog, 1793-1929
Covering Washington, Oregon and Southern British Columbia

Provided by: The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network
About the Cascadia Historic Earthquake Catalog     One-line catalog format

1793-1849 .... 1850s .... 1860s .... 1870s .... 1880s .... 1890s .... 1900s .... 1910s .... 1920s .... 1930s (not complete) .... Other Cascadia Catalogs

  
  
1890s
Event #217 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  217
All catalogs repeat Holden's (1898) information. Holden cites no source.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1890  15  48.15  122.65        Admiralty Head Lighthouse  WA           
HOLD2 - 1254 WWC - 1687 - - HOLD2 - 1254 -
Event #218 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  218
Single source; deBallore: "... on sait seulment que, le 24 fevrier 1890, un violent tremblement de terre aurait devaste l'ile Skidegate et l'Archipel de la Reine Charlotte, et que les secousses ne sont pas rare dans les environs de Sitka......"
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1890  24                    Skidegate  B.C.           
MISC - 2093 - - - MISC - 2093 -
Event #219 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  219
Holden (1898) cites Plummer (1896) as the underlying source for this event. All other catalogs refer back to Holden/Plummer.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1890  15  20        47.21  120.99        Roslyn  WA  III  RF       
HOLD2 - 1256 WWC - 1689 - - HOLD2 - 1256 -
Event #220 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  220
Holden cites Plummer as the sole original source.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1890  29  14  30    47.21  120.99        Roslyn  WA  III  RF       
HOLD2 - 1257 WWC - 1690 - - HOLD2 - 1257 -
Event #221 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  221
All catalogs repeat Holden's (1898) information. Holden cites no source.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1890  10    48.00  122.50        Point No Point Lighthouse  WA           
HOLD2 - 1258 WWC - 1691 - - HOLD2 - 1258 -
Event #222 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  222
Volcanic Activity Known only from Plummer's article in the Tacoma Ledger - February 28, 1893: "Climbers in the Cascades in 1891 have seen fires coming from Mount Hozomeen, which is eastward from Mount Baker, Sheep herders east of the mountains have frequently seen eruptions of this mountain in recent years, and if one report is true this volcano is the "Old Faithful" of the Cascades."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891                        Mt. Hozomeen  WA           
N-WPP - 2480 - - - N-WPP - 2480 -
Event #223 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  223
This event is known of only through brief mention in the index to the Portland Oregonian newspaper. The article itself could not be found.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891                    Snohomish  WA           
I-ORE - 2045 - - - I-ORE - 2045 -
Event #224 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  224
Information on this earthquake is described in "The Central Cascades Earthquake of March 7, 1891"; by T.E. Johnson, R.S. Ludwin, and A.I. Qamar, in Washington Geology, V. 20, N. 1, pp. 36 -37 (felt area isoseismal map included). This earthquake was misidentified in previous catalogs as being felt only at Smith Island lighthouse. In fact, the earthquake was felt from Ellensburg to Seattle and Tacoma. The apparent focus was east of Seattle in the central Cascades, close to Mt. Si, with a total felt area of approximately 36,000 square km, therefore a magnitude of 5.0 (following the method of Toppozada, 1975)has been estimated. About a dozen accounts from newspapers both east and west of the Cascade Mountains and a diary entry from Monitor, Washington provide documentation for this interpretation. The "MISC" source cited as the preferred source above is the Johnson et al. article.
Many catalogs contain an entry for an earthquake on March 8, 1890. Holden cites Plummer as his original source, but Townley and Allen correctly point out that the date given by Plummer was 1891 rather than 1890. We have attributed catalog entries for the March 8, 1890 earthquake to this March 7, 1891 earthquake.
A search of newspapers found scant indication of other associated shocks, although there was a report of an earthquake felt at North Bend and Snoqualmie Pass on November 24 and another report, apparently from a single individual in downtown Seattle, of feeling an earthquake around 9 AM on the morning of Nov. 29th.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  40    47.50  121.75    5.00  MI  Mt. Si  WA  VI    36000.00    km2 
N-WA - 1559 MISC - 2329 - MISC - 2329 MISC - 2329 MISC - 2329
Event #225 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  225
Milne says: " In Victoria the motion appeared to be from east to west, and an earthquake was generally felt. It seems to have been much stronger at Port Townsend. Times". No newspaper articles are in the database for this event, nor is it listed in other catalogs.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  16  12            Victoria  B.C.           
MILNE - 1419 - - - MILNE - 1419 -
Event #226 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  226
Tacoma - The source for this event was Plummer's article in the Tacoma Ledger, Feb. 28, 1893, which states " in September, 1891, there were several small shocks felt at Tacoma, but these were so slight that to my knowledge no record has been kept of the dates or directions."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891            47.23  122.43        Tacoma  WA  II  RF       
N-WPP - 2478 WWC - 1693 - - HOLD2 - 1261 -
Event #227 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  227
In Ritzville: "sufficiently strong to cause hardware and dishes to rattle on shelves was felt, lasting three seconds"
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  10  30    47.10  118.40        Ritzville  WA  IV  MM       
N-WA - 2112 WWC - 1694 - - WPPSS - 2361 -
Event #228 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  228
Felt in Portland and Salem. The Oregonian reports that in Portland from the corner of Front and Gibbs Streets to the center of the city, nearly everybody who was questioned had felt the shake and bottles were rattled at the druggist's shop. In Salem the shock was distinct. No damage.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  16  40    44.94  121.03        Salem  OR           
N-WA - 2143 WWC - 1695 - - BYERL - 357 -
Event #229 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  229
The Woodward-Clyde catalog cites this earthquake as intensity V; but the intensity described in two short newspaper articles: "chandeliers swung, clocks stopped, and crockery rattled" seems lower.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  19      47.59  122.33        Seattle  WA           
N-Ore - 2144 WWC - 1696 - - N-WA - 2111 -
Event #230 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  230
N. Puget Sound - It is seems that this earthquake was felt in the northern part of Puget Sound, but information is muddled, and several different times and dates are given.
Holden says: "Port Angeles, Washington. Reports differ as to time, some claiming that the shock occurred at 4:10 A.M., others at 5 A.M. It is possible there were two distinct shocks. The direction of vibration was from northwest to southeast. Many people were awakened from sleep. Houses trembled and chinaware rattled (VI). Port Townsend: shock felt shortly after 4 o'clock a.m. Dishes rattled and sleeping people were awakened (VI)." The newspaper report of the Oregonian, repeated in the Spokane Review, seems incongruous, since it says that the event was felt at Portland and on the Elwha River "west of here". No newspaper reports could be found in the Washington Standard or the Seattle P.I. The Elwha River is at the northernmost part of the Olympic Peninsula.
The handwritten report of the weather observer at East Sound on Orcas Island gives a time of "1:46 a.m"; and describes the earthquake as "NE to SW. 30 seconds." No other September earthquakes are described.
The Chilliwack Progress says: "Westminster was visited by a sharp shock of earthquake last Wednesday morning about 4 o'clock. Many citizens were awakened by the shaking of their dwellings and the low rumbling sound which accompanied the shock. ... The shock was felt at Victoria nearly four minutes earlier, ...The shock was severe at Victoria and lasted seven seconds, but did no damage to property. " Wednesday would have been 9/23.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  21  46    48.00  123.50        Port Angeles  WA  VI  RF       
WBR - 2133 USEQS - 925 - - TAWA - 1087 -
Event #231 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  231
The only source is U.S. Weather Bureau Climatologic Records, microfilm of handwritten records - Chelan, WA: " 2nd at 8 a. m. slight ... earthquake"
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  10                Chelan  WA           
WBR - 2132 - - - WBR - 2132 -
Event #232 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  232
Holden cites an unnamed newspaper which is the underlying source for this event: "The first time an earthquake has been felt in Ashland for years was last night about 8 o'clock, when a distinct shock, though light and lasting only a few seconds, caused a general rattling of window panes in many buildings in town. The shock was not heavy enough to cause even timid people any alarm." I question Berg and Baker's assignment of intensity IV to this event. The newspaper article was not found, but this event is listed in the index of the Portland Oregonian.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  11              Ashland  OR           
HOLD2 - 1265 - - - HOLD2 - 1265 -
Event #233 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  233
Plummer's listing of earthquakes in theTacoma Ledger (February 28, 1893), transcribed in the WPPSS documents, says: " On November 20, 1891, at 3:15 p.m., two very perceptible shocks were felt at Tacoma a few seconds apart."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  11  20  15              Tacoma  WA           
N-WPP - 2479 - - - N-WPP - 2479 -
Event #234 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  234
Previously uncataloged earthquake, reported felt only in North Bend and Snoqualmie Pass.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  11  24                Snoqualmie Pass  WA           
N-WA - 7029 - - - N-WA - 7029 -
Event #235 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  235
The only source is U.S. Weather Bureau Climatologic Records, microfilm of handwritten records - Chelan, WA: "On the 28th, a slight shock of earthquake was felt, vibration SE to NW".
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  11  28                    Chelan  WA           
WBR - 2129 - - - WBR - 2129 -
Event #236 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  236
Unlikely, but a possible foreshock the larger earthquake later in the day. Reported felt in downtown Seattle by only one person.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  11  29              Seattle  WA           
N-WA - 7030 - - - N-WA - 7030 -
Event #237 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  237
Panes of glass were reported by Holden (1898) to have been broken in the Pysht hotel, but no mention of this was found in the Portland Oregonian or Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper reports which suggest that the shaking was most severe near Seattle, though the earthquake was also reported felt in Snohomish, around Bellingham Bay, in Port Townsend, Tacoma, and Olympia., but not in Portland. Milne says that this event was felt only slightly in Victoria. Reports of possible landslide-generated tsunamis - waves or swells were reported in Lake Washington, and in Puget Sound both in Seattle and in Tacoma in "Tsumanis Affecting the West Coast of the United States, 1806-1992". The index for the Spokane Spokesman Review says "Great alarm felt by Coast people when quakes are felt in Sound region SR 8th D 2, 91 6:4', but we could not locate this article on the microfilm. The handwritten report from the Aberdeen weather observer describes this earthquake as "slight", while the report by weather observer Riley Hoskinson on Bainbridge Island tells of a "smart rocking".
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  11  29  20  48.11  123.44        Port Angeles  WA  VII  MM  4000.00    mi2 
N-OR - 6071 WWC - 1698 - - RAS - 73 RAS - 73
Event #238 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  238
Previously uncataloged. The WPPSS documents transcribe an article from the Chillwack Progress: "An earthquake shock was felt at Port Haney Sunday afternoon about 3:30. The shock lasted a few seconds but did no damage. The tremor terrified the townspeople, shook the windows of the houses, disturbed pictures and other household items.
"Victorians were given a reminder of the dreadful earthquakes that have been doing so much destruction in Japan in shape of a slight shock about 3:30 Sunday afternoon. Buildings shook, glass ware threatened to fall, ladies screamed and turned pale, but nothing was damaged in any way. "
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  12  30              Port Haney  B.C.           
N-WPP - 2495 - - - N-WPP - 2495 -
Event #239 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  239
An "eruption" of Mount Baker in the morning (possibly a vapor column), accompanied by an earthquake felt by many in Whatcom.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  12  11    48.80  121.80        Whatcom  WA           
N-WA - 2108 WWC - 1699 - - N-WA - 2108 -
Event #240 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  240
In early December of 1891a landslide blocked railroad tracks between Seattle and Everett in the vicinity of Woodway. The first report of blocking was Dec 6. Richmond, where the slide was reported, is near Woodway, site of a large landslide from a bluff that derailed five cars of a freight train in January of 1997.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1891  12  13                    Richmond  WA           
N-WA - 7038 - - - N-WA - 7037 -
Event #241 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  241
A "very slight" earthquake; known from the handwritten records of the East Sound (Orcas Island) weather observer.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  10  30              East Sound  WA           
WBR - 2133 - - - WBR - 2133 -
Event #242 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  242
Felt very noticably in Portland "People alarmed But No One Was Injured and No Damage Was Done". Also felt in St. Helens (Oregon), Oregon City, Forest Grove, Astoria, Salem, Yaquina Head Lighthouse (Lincoln County), Warrior Rock Lighthouse (Columbia River), Lake Harney, and Kalama (Wash.). Felt in Olympia. Newspaper reports in later years give a date of Feb. 21, probably due to that date being given in the index. An Rossi-Forel Intensity of VII was given for this event in early catalogs, but Townley and Allen considered that too high, and later catalogs use VI.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  30    45.50  122.80        Portland  OR  VI  MM  10000.00    mi2 
N-WaS - 2577 USEQS - 927 - - USEQS - 927 USEQS - 927
Event #243 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  243
Known only from the Woodward-Clyde catalog.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892          47.04  122.89                     
WWC - 1702 WWC - 1702 - - - -
Event #244 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  244
A slight earthquake, known from the handwritten observations of the Chelan weather observer; also reported in the Spokane Review. Cataloged by Woodward-Clyde.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  20          47.80  120.00        Chelan Falls             
WBR - 2130 WWC - 1700 - - N-WA - 2106 -
Event #245 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  245
Known from report of weather observer at Fort Simcoe, Yakima County, WA, supported by an article in the Spokesman Review. This event is a foreshock of the quake at 2:55 AM - see comment.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  29                Fort Simcoe  WA           
WBR - 2134 - - - WBR - 2134 -
Event #246 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  246
This is a sequence of foreshock, mainshock, and aftershock. The mainshock, on Feb. 2 at 2:55 AM was felt as far as Portland but was apparently strongest at Yakima and Fort Simcoe. Previous catalogs have not correctly described this sequence . Most state that this event was felt at The Dalles, where its intenstiy was reported as IV and the Oregonian reports: "Three distinct shocks of earthquake were felt here at 2:55 this morning. The vibration were north and south, and lasted about 4 seconds. A number of citizens were awakened by the shocks, and rushed into the streets in their nightclothes. In some residences the plaster was cracked and crockery rattled upon the shelves. No serious damage is reported.". The Woodward-Clyde and WPPSS catalogs have a separate entry for an event felt at Yakima, supposedly on March 5. We believe that these entries refer to the earthquake of Feb. 29. We have found a handwritten record from the weather observer at Fort Simco, in Yakima County, Washington, that reports: "Nothing special to notice except the earthquake on the morning of the 29th. It lasted about 30 seconds each shock. The middle shock was much the hardest . Windows and glassware were badly shaken and the plastering on some of the buildings was shaken off. It made a number of people sick to their stomachs.", and "3 shocks of earthquake at 2.00 - 2.55 and 3:15 AM of the 29th inst. The middle shock was the hardest . Glassware was shaken and one pane of glass broken". A similar description appears in the Spokesman Review of March 6, accounting for the erroneous date in some catalogs.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  29  55    46.60  120.50        The Dalles  OR  IV  MM       
WBR - 2134 WWC - 1705 - - RAS - 75 -
Event #247 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  247
Known from report of weather observer at Fort Simcoe, Yakima County, WA, supported by an article in the Spokesman Review. This event is an aftershock of the quake at 2:55 AM -- see comment.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  29  15              Fort Simcoe  WA           
WBR - 2134 - - - WBR - 2134 -
Event #248 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  248
All information for this event stems from Holden's catalog; which just says "Kalama, Washington". Holden cites Plummer as the original source.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892    21  30      46.01  122.84        Kalama  WA           
HOLD2 - 2527 WWC - 1704 - - HOLD2 - 2527 -
Event #249 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  249
Known only from the Oregonian Index - date may be misstated.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  23                    Olympia  WA           
I-ORE - 2052 - - - I-ORE - 2052 -
Event #250 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  250
Known only from the handwritten record of the East Sound (Orcas Island) weather observer: "1892. April 10th; Earthquake SW to NE ... one shock 4 a. m. suddenly but rumbling."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  10                East Sound  WA           
WBR - 2133 - - - WBR - 2133 -
Event #251 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  251
The MM intensity of VI given for Olympia by Earthquake History of the US seems overstated. The Seattle P.I. says :"Bad shocks felt in Portland, Tacoma, and Olympia. -- Portland, April 17. -- At 2:50 o'clock this afternoon two heavy shocks of earthquake were felt here. The shocks lasted about ten seconds each... Many persons became frightened when buildings began to tremble, and rushed into the street. No serious damage was done." the Washington Standard (Olympia) reports: "it was only severe enough to remind people of the mighty power that nature reserves for occasional display" and the Portland Oregonian states that a single slight earthquake was felt at Portland and that two shocks, the first making many buildings tremble, and the second scarcely perceptible, were felt at Tacoma. Some catalogs have two listings at this time, one for each city.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  17  45    47.00  123.00        Olympia  WA  VI  MM       
N-WaS - 2532 USEQS - 928 - - USEQS - 928 -
Event #252 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  252
Known only from the handwritten record of the Chelan weather observer: "April 1892: A severe shock of earthquake on the 24th at 3 o'clock a. m. Impulse from west to east. No damage." No account of this earthquake was found in the Seattle P.I., or the Olympia Washington Standard.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  24                Chelan  WA           
WBR - 2131 - - - WBR - 2131 -
Event #253 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  253
The sole original source for this event is the Index to the Oregonian, cited by Berg and Baker and others.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1892  11            45.35  122.59        Oregon City  OR           
I-ORE - 2062 WWC - 1707 - - I-ORE - 2062 -
Event #254 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  254
The original source for this event appears to be the Spokane Review of 1/27/1893 which says: "A slight shock of an earthquake is said to have been felt in the Methow valley the other day." A date of 1/26 has been given in several catalogs.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893            48.40  120.15        Methow Valley             
N-WA - 2104 WWC - 1708 - - N-WA - 2104 -
Event #255 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  255
Information for this event appears to intiate with Plummer.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893  16                    Sidney  B.C.  II  RF       
REID1 - 721 - - - BRAD - 260 -
Event #256 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  256
Out of area.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893  19                    Yellowstone Park  MT           
I-WA - 2095 - - - I-WA - 2095 -
Event #257 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  257
In Umatilla, The Oregonian reports: "... a succession of earthquake shocks spread fear and consternation among the inhabitants here. Buildings were violently rocked and the earth trembled quite perceptibly. One of the walls of a large stone warehouse fell with a crash. The remaining left tottering will have to be torn down. Mr Harns, the Union Pacific agent, was passing the building at the time and barely escaped being buried in the debris."
The WPPSS document ( "WPPSS Nuclear Project No. 2, Final Safety Analysis Report, Volume 1, Amendment 18"
September 1981) says: "This appears to have been an earthquake of very limited extent, because no felt reports from Pendleton itself nor any towns in the surrounding area were found in the search of newpapers in Pendleton and Milton-Freewater, Oregon, and Yakima, Walla Walla, and Spokane, Washington." The largest circular area about Umatilla that excludes Pendleton and Yakima has an area of 7,800 km2. The intensity-felt-area plot ... shows that a 7,800 km2 area is compatible with an intensity (MM) V-VI but is an order of magnitude less than the felt areas associated with intensity (MM) VII earthquakes. Consequently, the intensity rating of this earthquake has been reduced to (MM) VI ..". Likely very shallow and very close to Umatilla.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893      46.00  119.00    4.10  MI  Umatilla  OR  VI  MM  7800.00    km2 
RAS - 78 USEQS - 929 - WPPSS - 2356 WPPSS - 2356 WPPSS - 2356
Event #258 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  258
Volcanic Activity From the recollections of Edna Bolduc Anderson: "One day, in that July (1893), George and I were ... on a high ridge, just above the Big Mashel River, overlooking a canyon. ... The sky was clear. .... We glanced up and across to Mount Rainier. We saw great clouds of black smoke coming from her crater. It curled up, far into the clear, blue sky. I'll never forget that sight as I have only seen it the one time."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893                      Mt. Rainier  WA           
MISC - 2328 - - - MISC - 2328 -
Event #259 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  259
The Oregonian Index is the underlying source for this event. It says: "at Pleasant Ridge, near The Dalles, early in July, 1893."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893            45.59  121.17        The Dalles  OR           
I-ORE - 2055 WWC - 1710 - - BB - 1311 -
Event #260 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  260
The actual date of this event is not known. The source appears to be a Washington Standard article dated 7/7/1893 that says: "Wenatchee experienced a genuine earthquake a short time ago, the first that has occurred for some time. Several years ago slight shocks were very frequent in the Wenatchee country. There were two very heavy shocks in the winter of 1872, which were felt very distinctly in this valley. That was the time that a large slice of the mountain split off and fell into the Columbia river and dammed it up for awhile." The 7/7 date is listed in the Woodward-Clyde catalog, and in the WPPSS documents.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893          47.43  120.34        Wenatchee  WA           
WWC - 1711 WWC - 1711 - - WPPSS - 2435 -
Event #261 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  261
This earthquake is known from Holden's catalog, he cites Plummer - no newspaper accounts have been found. Original account says "... Mr. Fred Plummer reports: "Earthquake at 5:07 a.m., N. 40 degrees W.__11 miles from summit of Mount St. Helens. One sharp shock vertical. Intensity IV. Distinct rumbling preceding for four seconds, near at hand toward the mountain." At Green River mines, Washington, IV, lateral, rumblings.__P. "
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893  14  46.29  122.36        11 miles from summit of Mount St Helens  WA  IV  RF       
HOLD2 - 1280 WWC - 1712 - - HOLD2 - 1280 -
Event #262 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  262
This event is previously uncataloged. It was listed in the Oregonian Index, and found in the Oregonian: "A slight earthquake shock visited Seattle Sunday night."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893  27                Seattle  WA           
N-Ore - 1573 - - - N-Ore - 1573 -
Event #263 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  263
This event is previously uncataloged. The Oregon Statesman reports: "The Olympia Standard says a slight shock of an earthquake was felt at Victoria on the 9th inst."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893  10                    Victoria  B.C.           
N-OR - 1595 - - - N-OR - 1595 -
Event #264 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  264
Volcanic Activity Vague report of activity at Mount Baker. Holden (1898) is the only source.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1893  12                    Mount Baker??  WA           
HOLD2 - 1281 - - - HOLD2 - 1281 -
Event #265 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  265
Reports of this earthquake being felt in any place other than Olympia have not been confirmed.
Newspaper reports from the Oregonian and from the Tacoma Morning Union say: "Olympia, Jan 14--A severe shock of earthquake was experienced here at 3:20 this morning." The Washington Standard (Olympia) says: "A slight shock of an earthquake was felt at 3:30 Sunday morning ..."
Holden (1898) says "Olympia, Washington. Mr. Fred Plummer reports a disturbance at 3:25 a.m. A tremor lasting three seconds was followed after an interval of four seconds by a shock from south-southwest, and a slight tremor later. His seismograph at Tacoma barely showed the shock (I?, II?)". Holden also cites the S.F. Chronicle: "Vancouver, B.C. While the quaking continued, hanging pictures swayed slightly and crockery rattled on the shelves."
The British Colonist for Jan. 15-17 was not available on the microfilm reel, and Milne reports that: " Newspapers make no mention of the event."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1894  14  25            Olympia  WA           
HOLD2 - 1282 - - - N-Ore - 1574 -
Event #266 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  266
Other (non-earthquake) Clouds (?) at Mount Jefferson.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1894  17                    Mt. Jefferson  OR           
HOLD2 - 1284 - - - HOLD2 - 1284 -
Event #267 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  267
Holden cites Plummer, and describes the event as it appears in the Oregonian, which states: "Ellensburg, April 16--A shock of earthquake was distinctly felt here last evening at 9:56. The motion appeared to be from east to west, and was noticeable for about 10 seconds. No damage was done, and very few people noticed it."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1894  15  56  46.99  120.54        Ellensburg  WA  III  RF       
N-Ore - 1575 WWC - 1713 - - HOLD2 - 1285 -
Event #268 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  268
Tacoma? Holden cites Plummer (1896, Publications Astronomical Society of the Pacific, V. 8, p.78); and is himself cited as the basis for all other catalogs. However, no newspaper account was found in a search of the Seattle P.I., the Washington Standard or the Tacoma Daily News, or the Tacoma Morning Union.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1894  23  10  30  47.23  122.43        Tacoma  WA  II  RF       
TAWA - 1099 WWC - 1714 - - HOLD2 - 1286 -
Event #269 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  269
From the Oregonian: 'Tacoma, Nov. 21.-- Tonight, exactly at 6:30 o'clock, several slight shocks of earthquake were felt here. Windows rattled throughout the city.....several persons here saw the smoke arising from Mount Tacoma this morning. Mrs. Lovell says she saw at 7 o'clock." From Bradford and Townley and Allen (citing the San Jose Mercury) : " F.L. Lowe, a carpenter, says he and some companions were within six miles of Mount Tacoma's top, November 21, and that several shocks of earthquake were distinctly felt at the mountain's base. Several great avalanches were heard crashing down the mountain side on the north of the mountain. Rocks were piled over 100 feet high in the Puyallup River. Returning they crossed the debris of an avalanche which was of great depth, half a mile wide and four or five miles long "
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1894  11  21          46.80  121.80        Tacoma  WA           
RAS - 81 WWC - 1715 - - N-Ore - 1576 -
Event #270 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  270
Known only from Washington State Monthly Meterological Report
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1894  12                    Lakeside  WA           
LANGE - 7114 - - - LANGE - 7114 -
Event #271 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  271
Volcanic Activity From Holden: "On the afternoon of Thursday, December 13, smoke was seen rising from the crater by Observer Saulsbury, of the Weather Bureau, and others, from Seattle. Mr. Saulsbury saw the phenomenon through a glass repeatedly from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and was positive that the substance was smoke and not vapor."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1894  12  13              Mount Rainier  WA           
HOLD2 - 1906 - - - HOLD2 - 1906 -
Event #272 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  272
Volcanic Activity Holden cites the Seattle Post-Intelligencer of 1/6/1895: " ... the explorers report having seen, on December 24, jets of steam issuing from the large crater and a column of black smoke from the small crater."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1894  12  24                    Mt. Rainier - steam and smoke  WA           
HOLD2 - 1906 - - - HOLD2 - 1906 -
Event #273 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  273
Known only from weather observer's report: Silver Creek, Lewis Co.: Slight earthquake shock on the 14th.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  14                    Silver Creek  WA           
WBR - 7044 - - - WBR - 7044 -
Event #274 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  274
This earthquake is well represented in catalogs. The description in the Oregonian suggests that the source may have been closer to Tacoma than Portland. The location given (from Earthquake History of the U.S.) is close to Riffe Lake and Morton, WA. The Oregonian says: "At 4:47 o'clock in the morning a slight earthquake shock was felt, and those who were awakened, or are light sleepers, experienced the tremor. The vibrations were from north to south, and the first shock was quickly followed by two others, each about three seconds in duration. Although plainly perceptible, the shocks were not severe, and, aside from the rattling of loose window frames, and the swinging of picture frames and hanging lamps, there were no unusual indications of the presence of the seismic visitor. So faint was the trembling that the self- registering barometer in the office of the weather bureau showed no trace of vibratory action". In another article of the same issue it states that the earthquake was also felt at Tacoma, Olympia, Edison, and Oregon City; and that "The shock was felt at the insane asylum at Steilacoom more plainly that anywhere else. At Sumner and Puyallup people were awakened from sleep." Weather bureau reports state that the quake was felt as far east as Centerville in Klickitat County. Another report (see event 274) suggests that it may have been felt in Astoria.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  25  12  47    46.50  122.40        Green River  WA  MM       
RAS - 82 RAS - 82 - - USEQS - 930 -
Event #275 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  275
A small earthquake was reported felt only at Fulton, in western Lewis County 15 minuntes after a larger, more widely felt earthquake. It seems unlikely that this is an aftershock because the larger quake was strongest in the Tacoma area.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  25  45            Fulton  WA           
N-WA - 7043 - - - N-WA - 7043 -
Event #276 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  276
This may be a report of the widely felt earthquake on Feb. 25 - The source, the Pacific County Historical Society and Museum web site, only says "February 26, 1895 earthquake hits Astoria (Daily Morning Astorian p 4)"
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  26                    Astoria  OR           
LANGE - 7113 - - - LANGE - 7113 -
Event #277 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  277
see next two events
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  26  45              Yakima  WA           
N-WA - 2557 - - - N-WA - 2557 -
Event #278 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  278
see next event
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  26                Yakima  WA           
N-WA - 2557 - - - N-WA - 2557 -
Event #279 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  279
Yakima - Accounts of tremors felt in Yakima may be garbled references to the western Washington quake of Feb. 25. However, the date, time, and day of week reported are not the same. The only record of three earthquakes felt in Yakima, supposedly on Feb. 26 1895, is a slightly garbled account in the Yakima Herald, which reports: "Clerk Charles Lombard, of the Yakima Indian Agency, writes as follows: "Three earthquake shocks occurred here on Thursday, the 26th ult. [Feb. 26 was a Tuesday - RSL], a very light one at 2:45 a.m. and two heavy ones at 3 and 3:20. The latter frightened the inhabitants, made the houses rock, and shook down a portion of the plastering in the new boarding house. It also wrenched the office sufficient to tear away the light wire fencing attached to the front. Mrs. George L. Mattoon was frightened into sickness, and has not as yet been able to recover from the dizziness with which she was attacked."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  26  20              Yakima  WA           
N-WA - 2557 - - - N-WA - 2557 -
Event #280 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  280
The only source is the Oregonian Index, which lists "Leavenworth, Wash. 3 shocks, Mar. 13, 1895, 2 p.m.'
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  13                Leavenworth  WA           
I-ORE - 2061 - - - I-ORE - 2061 -
Event #281 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  281
Both the time of day and the intensity of this earthquake have probably been overstated in earlier catalogs. This event was accorded an intensity of "VI(?)" by Holden (1898), who cited the S.F.Examiner: "Port Townsend, Washington. Two slight shocks were felt here shortly after midnight last night. Heavy brick buildings trembled and many people were frightened badly." This time and intensity are repeated in many subsequent catalogs.
However, the "Townsend Leader", a weekly paper published in Port Townsend says: "A slight shock - About 4:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon, a slight shock of earthquake was felt in this city."
This event does not appear in Milne's catalog, nor could we find any reference to it in a search of the Washington Standard or British Colonist .
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  15  30  48.00  123.00        Port Townsend             
N-WA - 2161 USEQS - 931 - - N-WA - 2161 -
Event #282 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  282
Other authors cite Holden (1898): " Victoria, B. C. A slight shock of earthquake, moving from east to west, was felt here a little before midnight. Buildings all through the city trembled and all telephone calls came down together with a clatter.__Newspaper report. " No newspapers have been researched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  19                  Victoria  B.C.    RF       
HOLD2 - 1909 - - - HOLD2 - 1909 -
Event #283 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  283
Volcanic Activity Holden (1898) says: "1895. June 11. [A newspaper account from New Whatcom, Washington, says Mount Baker (40 miles away) has been smoking or steaming, and that a new peak has appeared between the dome and south peak, visible at New Whatcom with the naked eye. Note.__This report has not been verified.___C.D.P. "
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  11                    Mount Baker  WA           
HOLD2 - 1910 - - - HOLD2 - 1910 -
Event #284 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  284
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  12  10  30              Chimacum  WA           
N-WA - 2554 - - - N-WA - 2554 -
Event #285 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  285
Meteorite Meteorite. Holden (1898) says: "1895. June 15; Port Townsend, Washington, June 16. [Chimacum, a small farming center 4 miles from here, was terribly shaken last night at 8 o'clock by the falling of a huge meteor, which burst with a loud noise, and after causing a small-sized cyclone of several minutes duration, buried itself deep in the muddy bottom of a neighboring lagoon. The meteor struck with force enough to break crockery in farmhouses 3 miles away and created great terror among the residents. Ten hours after the occurrence the waters of the lagoon were still bubbling and seething, and were found to be hot. Systematic dragging of the lagoon failed to bring up any traces of the celestial messenger.__S. F. Examiner, June 17, 1895.] "
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  15              Port Townsend  WA           
HOLD2 - 1911 - - - HOLD2 - 1911 -
Event #286 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  286
Other (non-earthquake) From Holden (1898): "1895. June 28; Seattle, Washington. Assitant Weather Observer E. O. Hobbs has recently been making some examinations on the summit of Mount Rainier with a small telescope and has discovered a large dark crevasse through the center of Columbia Crest, which can be seen plainly with the naked eye. A large snowslide has recently occurred at the base of Liberty Cap on the north side, and on the west side there appear to be several new crevasses of various sizes. Mr. Hobbs has also noticed the mountain steaming and smoking in the same manner as last winter.___S. F. Chronicle, June 29. Note.__This report has not been confirmed.___C.D.P. "
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  28                    Mount Rainier  WA           
HOLD2 - 1912 - - - HOLD2 - 1912 -
Event #287 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  287
Holden (1898) says: "1895. July; Nanaimo, B. C., via Vancouver, B. C., July 9. The earthquake shock at Nanaimo this week caused no little alarm in that city. The alarm, however, soon dissipated, and the shock, which lasted a few seconds only, did no damage except the breakage of some crockery in houses and stores (VII). "
"There are persistent reports by dwellers in the neighborhood of Hope, a small town about 100 miles up the Fraser River, to the effect that one of the small mountains in the Smimilkameen is an active volcano. Flames are seen shooting therefrom at night, and several parties have lately attempted, in consequence, to explore the vicinity. ___Newspaper report.".
Milne adds: "1895 JULY 2. 7:00 p.m. At Nanaimo some crockery was broken, but the tremor was not felt at Victoria. Col." Newspapers have not been researched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895            Nanaimo  B.C.  VII  RF       
MILNE - 1420 - - - HOLD2 - 1913 -
Event #288 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  288
Meteorite Meteorite "At Grand Mound on the 13th a brilliant meteor was noticed in the east moving at an elevation of about 14 degrees"
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  13                    Grand Mound - Meteor  WA           
LANGE - 7114 - - - LANGE - 7114 -
Event #289 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  289
Volcanic Activity Holden (1898) states: "1895. September 1; Tacoma, Washington. The mountain-climbers who returned tonight from Mount Tacoma report steam, smoke and gas belching from the foot of Nisqually Glacier, where the Nisqually River has its source. At the rim of the crater, southeast of Columbia Crest, the ground is quite warm, notwithstanding the artic atmosphere of the summit. Steam comes out of the crater at this particular point more freely than any other part.__San Jose Mercury, September 2, 1895. " Newspapers have not been researched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895                    Mount Tacoma  WA           
HOLD2 - 1914 - - - HOLD2 - 1914 -
Event #290 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  290
Known from the Spokane Spokesman Review, which says:"Earthquake shock at Helena Earth Oscillated for Three Minutes - No Damage Done - Helena, Sept. 5. -- A shock of earthquake was experienced here at 12:15 this morning. It lasted about three minutes, and was distinctly felt all over the city. No report of damage has so far been received.
FELT AT BUTTE -Butte, Mt., Sept. 5. -- Distinct shocks of earthquake were felt here and at Helena and Great Falls at 12:25 this morning. At Helena the shocks were very distinct. People rushed from hotels and buildings and much excitement was caused."
In "Montana Earthquakes, 1869-1879" (Qamar and Stickney, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Memoir 51), the Great Falls "Tribune" is cited as a source for this event.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  12  15              Helena, Montana  MT           
N-WA - 2101 - - - N-WA - 2101 -
Event #291 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  291
Other (non-earthquake) From Holden. A forest fire in the Olympic Mountains was mistaken for a volcanic eruption.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  10  20                    Olympic Mountains  WA           
HOLD2 - 1915 - - - HOLD2 - 1915 -
Event #292 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  292
Holden's (1898) entry says: "1895 November; Kyuquot, B.C. -- Via Victoria, British Columbia, November 30. Kyuquot, an Indian village on the west coast of Vancouver Island, received a severe shock of earthquake early this month which the natives will long remember. Their little houses were shaken almost from their foundations, trees swayed, and considerable damage was done. (VI). - S.F. Call, Dec. 1, 1895." Milne cites Bradford, who has repeated Holden's account. No newspapers were researched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1895  11                      Kyuquot  B.C.  VI  RF       
HOLD2 - 1916 - - - HOLD2 - 1916 -
Event #293 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  293
Holden's 1898 catalog says: "1896. January 3; Victoria, B. C. A severe shock of earthquake was felt here tonight at 10:20 o'clock. Many citizens in the public offices, believing the shock to be produced by the falling in of some large roof, or like cause, hurried to the streets.__Newspaper report. Port Angeles (Washington): at 10:30 o'clock last night two distinct shocks of earthquake were felt in this city. They were severe enough to shake the chimneys off lamps and the dishes off the shelves (VII).__Newspaper report dated January 4, 1896."
However, not all accounts correspond to this severity. No account was located in the Port Angeles Democrat Leader, nor in the Anacortes American. The Islander, published in San Juan County says: "Olga Notes A severe shaking up of the earth and buildings occurred here Friday at 10:12 PM. There were three shocks lasting in all about 15 seconds. Deer Harbor -The shock of the earthquake was heard and felt by nearly everyone last Friday night. " Milne says: " An earthquake was felt strongly at Port Angeles and Turn Point Light House. In Victoria and Esquimalt it was generally felt but no damage was reported. Times."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1896  10  12  48.50  122.80        Port Angeles  WA  VII  RF       
N-WA - 1579 WWC - 1718 - - TAWA - 1104 -
Event #294 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  294
Holden says: "January 8; 9:56 p.m.; Turn Point L. H., Washington. A shock.___Ms. kindly communicated by the U. S. L. H. Board. " Woodward-Clyde location is in Bellingham. No newspapers have been researched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1896  56  48.69  122.23        Turn Point Lighthouse  WA           
HOLD2 - 1919 WWC - 1719 - - HOLD2 - 1919 -
Event #295 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  295
Holden's catalog (1898) is the basis for all other catlog entries. He cites the S.F. Chronicle: "1896. February 6; East Clallam (Wash.); 9h. 55m. p. m. Quite a well-defined shock. The direction of the temblor was from west to east. It lasted about a minute. Every house in the town, large and small, was shaken to its very foundations, but as far as can be learned no damage was done. The Indians on Neah Bay reservation all felt the shock. The same shock was also experienced on Tatoosh Island about the same time time. The captain of the bark Edinburghshire, lying at anchor in the bay, says the shock was felt by every person aboard his vessel. Some of the sailors became so scared that they wanted to take the ship's boats." No other newspapers have been researched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1896  55  48.30  124.30        East Clallam  WA  VI  MM       
HOLD2 - 1920 USEQS - 933 - - USEQS - 933 -
Event #296 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  296
From Milne: "A Vancouver newspaper account for this date reads in part as follows: 'One of the Burrard Mountains is believed to have been in a state of eruption last night. Dense smoke and flames poured from the mountain. Several earth shocks were felt recently.' Br"
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1896  15                    Burrard Mountains  B.C.           
HOLD2 - 1921 - - - HOLD2 - 1921 -
Event #297 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  297
Felt from Portland to Salem. Although the Oregonian Index says: " broke window at McMinnville, rang bells at Dayton, Oregon City", and Townley and Allen cite theS.F. Chronicle, [April 3, 1896, p. 4.], the Oregonian article makes no mention of McMinnville.
From the Oregonian: "The Earthquake Yesterday Morning Was Severe, and Lasted Ten Seconds, but Did No Damage. The earthquake of yesterday morning is said to have been one of the most severe that has been experienced in Portland in many years. It did no damage to property, but it managed to waken thousands of people from sound slumber, and caused no little alarm.... Mr. Blandford, ... was able to furnish some information about the shock. "The earthquake," he said, "occurred at 3:13 this morning, and lasted between 8 and 10 seconds. It began with a severe and quick jerky vibration, and then, after a moment's interval, the vibrations resumed with lesser force until the finally died away. ... I should say the earthquake was rather severe at first." The time at which Mr. Blandford fixes the shock was corroborated by almost everyone who thought to notice the time, though there was considerable disagreement as to the duration of the vibration, some contending that it did not take up more than five seconds. That it was a severe shock is proven by the general attention it attracted. Many were the stories told yesterday of what the earthquake had done. One young man said it wakened him, and as he looked at the wall he saw the pictures swinging to and fro and heard the shutters moving, though it was a quiet night. The unusual loudness of the rumbling which accompanied the shock was what attracted general attention, many of those who noticed the earthquake saying that it sounded like the collapse of some big brick block. One man ... said that his house rocked as if it were about to tumble. It nearly overturned a lamp standing on a table besides his bed, and twisted the nails in the woodwork. The shock was less severely felt in The Oregonian building then almost anywhere else ..."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1896  13  45.30  123.30        Portland  OR  VI  RF  1000.00    mi2 
N-Ore - 1580 USEQS - 934 - - TA-OR - 506 USEQS - 934
Event #298 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  298
Later catalog entries are based on Holden (1898): "Cape Blanco Lighthouse, Oregon. 'Tower vibrated considerably for about 30 seconds. I could not say positively that it was caused by an earthquake.' "
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1896  10  20            Cape Blanco Lighthouse  OR  IV  MM       
HOLD2 - 1923 - - - BB - 1313 -
Event #299 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  299
Landslide or Rockfall Catalog entries cite Holden (1898), who cites "newspaper dispatches" which report "the narrow escape of a party of tourists on Mount Hood on the afternoon of August 26 from an avalanche. The dispatches convey the impression of a volcanic eruption, but it seems entirely possible to explain the occurrence without any such assumption. A slight earthquake may have accompanied, or even caused, the avalanche. No reports have been received of any disturbances elsewhere on that day." Newspapers have not been researched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1896  26          45.40  121.70        Mount Hood  OR           
HOLD2 - 1924 WWC - 1722 - - HOLD2 - 1924 -
Event #300 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  300
Previously uncataloged. The WPPSS documents transcribe an article from the Vernon News: "A distinct earthquake shock was felt in this city on last Thursday evening about half past seven o'clock. Houses were shaken, crockery rattled, and a heavy rumbling noise heard. The effects seem to have been local as we have not heard that it has been noticed in other parts of the province."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1897  14  30              Vernon  B.C.           
N-WPP - 2483 - - - N-WPP - 2483 -
Event #301 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  301
All catalog listings are in agreement with the Oregonian report: "Earthquake in Lincoln County Newport, Or., Jan 27--An earthquake shock was felt in this section yester- day at 2:45 pm. The shock was of about 3 seconds duration. Houses were shaky till the dishes on the shelves rattled. The vibrations appeared to come from a northerly direction, and was accompanied by a slight rumbling noise, like thunder. Reports from Alsea bay state that the shock was felt quite strong there about the same time."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1897  27  45  44.64  124.05        Newport  OR  IV  MM       
N-Ore - 1581 WWC - 1723 - - BB - 1315 -
Event #302 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  302
The Washington Standard (a weekly) reported: "'Who felt the earthquake' is a question asked by more people than are able to answer it.", while the Spokane Spokesman Review states: "The vibrations were of sufficient force to awaken sound sleepers." Catalog entries say "light shock" or "felt". The Woodward-Clyde catalog assignment of MM intensity IV may be too high.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1897  27  30    47.04  122.89        Olympia  WA           
N-WA - 2099 WWC - 1724 - - TAWA - 1107 -
Event #303 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  303
Catalog entries are based on the MWR: "December 6, 1897.-Forest Grove Oreg.: slight shock at 8:30 p.m." Newspapers have not been searched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1897  12  30    45.52  123.10        Forest Grove  OR  III  MM       
MWR - 2208 WWC - 1725 - - BB - 1316 -
Event #304 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  304
This event is listed in many catalogs. The underlying source appears to be the Monthly Weather Review (MWR) which states: December 15, 1897. - Waterville, Wash.: earthquake; duration four to six seconds; direction, northwest to sourtheast. Lakeside, Wash.: a severe shock. No newspapers have been researched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1897  12  15          47.80  120.00        Lakeside  WA  MM       
MWR - 2209 USEQS - 935 - - WPPSS - 2367 -
Event #305 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  305
These events are documented in the Monthly Weather Review (MWR): "December 16, 17, 20. - Lakeside, Wash.: light shocks, all occurring at 6 a.m., vibrating from west to east." Most catalogs list these in a single entry.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1897  12  16      47.83  120.02        Lakeside  WA           
MWR - 2209 WWC - 1727 - - MWR - 2209 -
Event #306 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  306
These events are documented in the Monthly Weather Review (MWR): "December 16, 17, 20. - Lakeside, Wash.: light shocks, all occurring at 6 a.m., vibrating from west to east." Most catalogs list these in a single entry.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1897  12  17                Lakeside  WA           
MWR - 2209 - - - MWR - 2209 -
Event #307 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  307
These events are documented in the Monthly Weather Review (MWR): "December 16, 17, 20. - Lakeside, Wash.: light shocks, all occurring at 6 a.m., vibrating from west to east." Most catalogs list these in a single entry.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1897  12  20                Lakeside  WA           
MWR - 2209 - - - REID1 - 731 -
Event #308 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  308
See following comment.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  11          47.83  120.02        Lakeside  WA           
TAWA - 1110 WWC - 1728 - - TAWA - 1110 -
Event #309 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  309
See following comment.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  14          47.83  120.02        Lakeside  WA           
TAWA - 1110 WWC - 1729 - - TAWA - 1110 -
Event #310 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  310
Known from catalogs. Reid cites MWR June 1898,Townley and Allen cite BSSA, 25, 146; MWR, 26,20.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  15          47.83  120.02        Lakeside  WA           
TAWA - 1110 WWC - 1730 - - TAWA - 1110 -
Event #311 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  311
This event is known only from the Woodward-Clyde catalog.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  22          47.83  120.02                     
WWC - 1731 WWC - 1731 - - - -
Event #312 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  312
This event is well represented in catalogs, although it does not appear in McAdie. Townley and Allen cite BSSA, 25, 146; Reid cites MWR Feb, 1898. No newspaper accounts have been researched.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  30  47.68  122.90        Brinnon  WA           
TAWA - 1111 WWC - 1732 - - TAWA - 1111 -
Event #313 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  313
Two earthquakes were felt slightly in Portland. The Oregonian says: "A slight earthquake shock, or rather two shocks, a few seconds apart, were noticed be many in Portland at 6:25 Monday morning. The movement was sufficient to sway gas chandeliers and pictures perceptibly. Two more slight shocks were felt at about 1:15 yesterday morning, which woke up some light sleepers..." No other newspapers have been searched. Several catalogs appear to report this event as if it had occurred in the afternoon.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  21  25            Portland  OR  IV  MM       
N-Ore - 1582 - - - RAS - 92 -
Event #314 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  314
See comment for previous event.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  22  15    45.53  122.62        Portland  OR  III  MM       
N-Ore - 1582 WWC - 1734 - - BB - 1318 -
Event #315 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  315
From the Oregonian; an account of one Portlander possibly feeling an earthquake the day after two events that were felt by many. It may have been his imagination.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  22  11              Portland  OR           
N-Ore - 1582 - - - N-Ore - 1582 -
Event #316 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  316
This earthquake is well represented in catalogs. Few particulars are available - both the Oregonian and the Spokeman Review say: "- A heavy shock of earthquake was felt here at 5:20 this morning. It was of brief duration." Townley and Allen cite MWR, 26, 68; which is not included in the database.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  23  20  46.99  120.54        Ellensburg  WA           
N-Ore - 1583 WWC - 1735 - - RAS - 94 -
Event #317 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  317
Known only from Weather Bureau Report. "Lakeside -- Charles Johnson, Observer. Slight shock of earthquake on the 4th, vibration from west to east.:
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898                    Lakeside  WA           
LANGE - 7108 - - - LANGE - 7108 -
Event #318 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  318
Reid's cardfile seems to be the original source for this event, and all that is known is that an earthquake was felt at Lakeside. Townley and Allen include this event, but do not cite any source; other catalogs cite Townley and Allen. Reid cites the MWR of June, 1898, which is not included in the database.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898          47.83  120.02        Lakeside  WA           
REID1 - 737 WWC - 1736 - - REID1 - 737 -
Event #319 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  319
Listed in many catalogs. The Oregonian states: "Seattle, Aug 12--Two slight shocks of earthquake felt here tonight. The vibrations were from east to west, and were about 4 seconds in duration." The use of the word "tonight" has led to confusion of the date - should it be Aug. 12 or 13? Two separate events are listed in some catalogs. We list them as one event because of the lack of specific times.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  12      47.59  122.33        Seattle  WA           
N-Ore - 1584 WWC - 1738 - - N-Ore - 1584 -
Event #320 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  320
Known only from Weather Bureau Report. "An earthquake tremor was noticed as occurring on the 7th at 6:30 p.m.; it was reported by Anacortes and Olga observers"
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  11  30              Anacortes  WA           
LANGE - 7108 - - - LANGE - 7108 -
Event #321 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  321
Previously uncataloged: The WPPSS documents transcribe the account from the Vernon News: "A slight earthquake shock was experienced in Victoria last Friday." Victoria newspapers have not been checked.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  12  23                    Victoria  B.C.           
N-WPP - 2496 - - - N-WPP - 2496 -
Event #322 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  322
Known only from Weather Bureau report. "On the morning of the 26th and up to 8 a.m. several distinct shocks of earthquake were noted at Ellensburg"
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1898  12  26                Ellensburg  WA           
LANGE - 7108 - - - LANGE - 7108 -
Event #323 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  323
This event was seaward of Eureka. The magnitude cited is from "The San Andreas Fault System, California, Chapter 6: 'Earthquake History, 1769-1989' by William L. Ellsworth, USGS Professional Paper 1515. 1990." Other magnitudes estimates for this earthquake are as low as 5.7.
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1899  16  41    41.00  124.00    7.00  MS  Eureka  CA           
USEQS - 2535 USEQS - 2535 - MISC - 2540 USEQS - 2535 -
Event #324 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  324
This event is previously uncataloged, and known only from an article in The Astoria Daily Budget that states: "Quite a number of people are of the opinion that they felt a light earthquake shortly after three o'clock Sunday afternoon. It appeared to be most distinct in Uppertown."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1899                Astoria  OR           
N-OR - 2085 - - - N-OR - 2085 -
Event #325 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  325
Other (non-earthquake) This is a very interesting account of a seiche in Lake Chelan following the Yakutat Bay, Alaska earthquake (Magnitude 8.6, September 10; 11:40 Alaska Standard Time). It was transcribed from the Chelan Leader in the WPPSS documents: "A Volcanic Upheaval -- The Leader is informed that about 2 o'clock p.m. last Sunday, up the lake about 19 miles at E. F. Christie's place, J. A. Graham saw out near the center of the lake a peculiar upheaval of the glassy surface to the height, apparently, of about 6 or 10 feet. He afterwards watched the waves roll in towards shore. The water came in like a tidal wave, all of slx feet high, driving the little steamer Kitten, moored there, high upon the rocks, then receding, caused it to upset and sink. Succeeding waves continued for two hours before the lake finally quieted down. All observers agree that there was no wind blowing at the time. At Mountain Park, four miles this side, T. R. Gibson says the wave from the upheaval was only 20 minutes in reaching there. The steamer Dexter, which came down Tuesday and assisted in raising the Kitten, reports that the wave was very noticeable at Moore's Point and the head. Judge I. A. Navarre, who came down from 10 miles up 25-mile creek on Tuesday, is said to have been told by some prospectors up there that the creek--one of the largest tributaries of the lake--went dry for about three hours on Sunday afternoon, and then resumed its natural flow..."
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1899  10                Lake Chelan  WA           
N-WPP - 2352 - - - N-WPP - 2352 -
Event #326 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  326
Other (non-earthquake) Tidal wave at Shoalwater Bay (Astoria Daily Budget November 20, 1899 p 4)
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1899  11  20                    Shoalwater Bay  WA           
LANGE - 7113 - - - LANGE - 7113 -
Event #327 - Summary, and parameter estimates with source IDs                                            Full references for Event #  327
Known from a single Weather Bureau observer's report "Two slight shocks of earthquake on the 30th"
TIME LOCATION MAGNITUDE MAX. INTENSITY FELT AREA
YR MO DAY HR MIN AM/PM Time
Type
LAT(N) LON(W) DEP
(km)
MAG Mag
Type
Felt
Plc.
Felt
St.
Inten-
sity
Int.
Type
Felt
Area
Felt
Area
Int.
Felt
Area
Units
1899  12  30                    Lakeside  WA           
LANGE - 7108 - - - LANGE - 7108 -

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