Minor M 3.4 Earthquake Recorded 60 km South of Whites City, New Mexico
A minor 3.4 magnitude earthquake occurred at a shallow depth south of Whites City, New Mexico, on February 17, 2026.
What Happened
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 ml occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:05 a.m. UTC (12:05 a.m. MST). The seismic event was recorded at a shallow depth of 6.74 km.
Location Details
The earthquake’s epicenter was situated at coordinates 31.627°N and 104.368°W. This location is approximately 60 km south of Whites City, New Mexico. The depth of 6.74 km is considered shallow; earthquakes occurring at depths of less than 20 km are often more likely to be felt at the surface than deeper events.
Impact Assessment
At this time, there have been no felt reports submitted to the USGS. No tsunami warnings, advisories, or watches have been issued in connection with this event. The USGS has not assigned a specific alert level for this earthquake, and the event is currently listed as reviewed.
What You Should Know
Earthquakes of this magnitude (M 2.5-3.9) are categorized as minor. While they are frequently felt by people near the epicenter, they rarely result in damage to buildings or infrastructure. As with any seismic activity, minor aftershocks remain a possibility. In the event of shaking, the standard safety procedure is to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Source
Information provided by the USGS.
Source: USGS Official Notice