M 3.0 Earthquake Strikes 22 km NW of Susitna, Alaska
Areazine synthesizes this USGS earthquake report directly from USGS's official public data feed. See our methodology for full source attribution and refresh cadence.
A minor 3.0 magnitude earthquake occurred near Susitna, Alaska, on March 20, 2026. The event was recorded at an intermediate depth of 63.9 km.
What this USGS earthquake report tells you, and what most readers miss
This notice was issued by USGS on April 3, 2026 and geographically references Alaska. Its severity classification of "low" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken - "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to - Earthquakes - determines the monitoring protocol behind it, which shapes what follow-up action (checking for structural damage, watching for aftershocks, reviewing local building codes) is relevant and which agency holds authority over the assessment.
Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to verify its scope, source, and timestamp, then compare related notices without assuming that one record proves a broader trend.
Areazine pairs this record with the original agency URL so you can check the primary source before acting. Its related labels are earthquake, seismic, usgs, Alaska.
What Happened
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 ml was recorded on March 20, 2026, at 13:43 UTC (approximately 5:43 AM local time). The seismic event was centered 22 km northwest of Susitna, Alaska, according to data from the USGS.
Location Details
The earthquake's epicenter was located at coordinates 61.673°N and 150.83°W. The event originated at a depth of 63.9 km. Seismologists categorize earthquakes at this depth—between 20 and 70 km—as intermediate-depth events, which typically result in less intense surface shaking than shallower quakes.
Impact Assessment
There are currently no felt reports associated with this earthquake. No tsunami advisories, watches, or warnings have been issued. Due to the minor magnitude and depth of the event, the USGS has not issued a specific color-coded alert level, and no damage is expected.
What You Should Know
Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are classified as "minor." While these events are often felt by people near the epicenter, they rarely cause structural damage. Alaska is a seismically active region, and routine events of this magnitude are common. Residents are advised to always be prepared for seismic activity, though significant aftershocks from a magnitude 3.0 event are unlikely to cause concern.
Source
Information and data for this report were provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Original source: USGS Official Notice ↗
Related Earthquakes
All Earthquakes →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this USGS earthquake report.