JACKSON, Wyo. — A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was detected 16 km east of Jackson on Thursday night, April 17, an event felt by numerous Buckrail readers.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake was categorized as “light” in shaking intensity, but some locals begged to differ. Responding to Buckrail’s survey about the event, many described a more intense movement experience. Readers reported swaying buildings and moving furniture.
“I had been in bed for about 10 minutes when it started moving laterally,” one reader responded.
“I felt it at my home near Kelly at 11:07,” another said. “I had just settled into my bed and there was a definite swaying sensation for a few seconds. It felt like being in a hammock except the entire structure was gently moving.”
Reader Mark Muheim compared the experience to a blockbuster film.
“I felt the earthquake at my ranch on the Hoback River 4 miles from Hoback Junction,” Muheim wrote. “I was out by my garage with a cup of coffee and I set the cup on the bumper of my Jeep. I didn’t feel anything under my feet, but I looked at the coffee in the cup and it was vibrating. I thought maybe the engine was running, but no. I was reminded of the scene in ‘Jurassic Park’ where they see a puddle vibration as the T-Rex approaches!”
Others described rattling windows, and hearing sounds ranging from low rumblings, to “buzzing like the vibration of a cell phone” to “a large banging sound (similar to a small explosion).” A number of readers reported their pets reacting to the event, with many dogs barking and cats scurrying.
Another factor in assessing the event was a concurrent windstorm blowing through the valley that night. Some folks noted that they first mistook the earthquake for a particularly powerful gust.
“A half-mile west of the airport, we felt a distinct jolt,” one reader shared. “It felt and sounded like a slow-moving car hit the log exterior. I felt the jolt in bed. The wind was gusting and we thought it was a really strong gust. But the sound was a loud bang.”
No readers reported any major damage resulting from the quake, although one person shared that a loose light bulb in their home shattered. Some respondents seemed to be entertained by the movement.
“I live at the Hidden Hollows apartments on the third floor, so we swayed quite a bit to the point the Easter tulips in the vase tipped over!” one reader wrote. “Oh no! But the vase didn’t break, just water everywhere. Spilled water — totally worth the experience!”
Whether the experience was enjoyable or frightening, the USGS wants to hear about it. The agency collects citizen science observations. Fill out the Did You Feel It? form here.
