September Earthquake Near Great Falls Largest of 97 in State

Over the past year in central Montana, the city of Great Falls has felt the Earth move due to earthquakes more than I can ever remember.  Thankfully, those quakes haven't been significant enough to cause major damage, but they do create a little chaos.

via GIPHY

When those strong rumblings are felt, agencies like Northwestern Energy are called to action to ensure dams are safe and gas lines remain intact.  Those companies have to be busy in my eyes, as earthquakes aren't uncommon in our area, but did you realize just how often they happen in the state?

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September Earthquake Near Great Falls Was Largest of 97 in State

So how many quakes happen in Montana?  According to the Montana Bureau of Mine and Geology (MBMG) along with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) department, the state recorded 97 total earthquakes in September 2026.

Petrovich9

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The strongest that was recorded during the month was near Great Falls, Montana.  The quake registered a 3.7 outside of the city limits.  Much of the seismic activity for the month registered in or near Yellowstone National Park:

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology via Facebook

Seismic Activity Across Montana Happens from 7-10 Times Each Day in State

You may think that near 100 number for September is a large one.  But the MBMG says that number is slightly low.  Most days of any given month have 7-10 earthquakes, which means somewhere in the neighborhood of 2-300 each month in Montana.  A whole lot of shaking going on, many which we never even notice.

Richard Ward

Even in the last 48 hours, the state has already experienced nearly a dozen little shakers across Montana.  You can learn more about the geological and seismic activity with the MSGS at their website here or the USGS website here.