April 15, 1961 - Ephraim, UT - M 5.0

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred near Ephraim, Utah at 11:02 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 1961.

The shaking was most intense at Ephraim and Spring City, Utah. In Ephraim, dishes rattled and light fixtures began to swing. Some buildings sustained cracked walls and bricks were shaken from chimneys. Late night theatergoers at one establishment hurriedly left the building as the earthquake occurred. Reportedly, the greatest damage was to people’s nerves, as they feared more shaking would occur.

Shaking was felt as far north as the towns of Fairview, Moroni, and Fountain Green, Utah and as far south as Manti, Utah.

One person living near Moroni said his dogs began barking, pheasants crowed and flying birds struck windows.

In Manti the shaking was strong enough to awaken some sleeping individuals. Light fixtures swayed and dishes were knocked from shelves. Goods were shaken from store shelves. There was plaster damage to at least one home. Another building sustained a cracked ceiling.

Many who felt the shaking thought their furnaces or water heaters had exploded.

For additional information about this earthquake:

Earthquake Summary  Newspaper Articless  Additional Resources