Earthquake shakes west shore of Flathead

More than a dozen residents along the west shore of Flathead Lake reported the rumblings of an earthquake Monday afternoon, after a 3.4 magnitude tremor struck the region.

Michael Stickney of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology said a total of 24 people from Polson to Kalispell reported feeling the quake, which occurred about a half-mile northwest of Dayton.

While the event was too small to cause any damage, Stickney said it was the largest quake recorded in recent years.

Stickney said that the event was unusual because it was not accompanied by any aftershocks.

“Historically there have been swarms of earthquakes in the area,” he said.

Stickney said the west shore of Flathead Lake sits on top of an inter-mountain seismic belt, and the earthquakes represent minor slips and adjustments in rocks below the earth’s crust.

Stickney said during the late 1960s and early 1970s a series of slightly larger tremors toppled chimneys and even damaged a schoolhouse in Proctor.

“It was really hopping back then,” he said.

While it’s too early to make a prediction, he said the latest event could signify more to come.

“It certainly wouldn’t be surprising to see continued activity,” he said. “Stay tuned.”