On December 30, 2025, a magnitude 2.0 earthquake struck near Icy Bay, Alaska. The seismic event occurred at 20:42 AKST, equivalent to 05:42 UTC on December 31. It registered a depth of 3.1 miles (5 km). The quake was located 64 miles (103 km) east of Cape Yakataga and 66 miles (107 km) northwest of Yakutat.
Magnitude 2.0 Earthquake Details
- Location: 60.3647°N, 140.6743°W
- Depth: 3.1 miles (5 km)
- Time: December 30, 2025, 20:42 AKST
- Nearby Areas:
- 78 miles (126 km) southwest of Burwash Landing
- 106 miles (171 km) southeast of McCarthy
- 110 miles (178 km) west of Haines Junction
- 133 miles (215 km) south of Chisana
- 149 miles (241 km) southeast of Chitina
- 159 miles (257 km) southeast of both Mt. Wrangell and Nabesna
- 169 miles (274 km) southeast of Pump Station #12
- 173 miles (280 km) east of Cordova
- 262 miles (424 km) northwest of Juneau
Seismic Activity in the Yakutat Region
The Yakutat microplate plays a crucial role in the seismic landscape of southern Alaska. This area has a history of significant seismic events, including major earthquakes in 1899 that caused considerable landform changes. Past movements have resulted in up to 40 feet of uplift and 6 feet of subsidence in various locations.
Notable Historical Earthquakes
- 1899: Two significant earthquakes (M8.1 and M8.2) reshaped the Yakutat Bay region.
- 1958: The M7.7 Lituya Bay Earthquake triggered a massive tsunami wave reaching 1,720 feet.
- 1972: The M7.4 Saint Elias Earthquake marked another significant seismic event in the area.
The Transition Fault distinguishes the Yakutat microplate from the Pacific Plate. Though the fault has not produced significant earthquakes recently, the region experiences substantial background seismicity, with hundreds of shallow earthquakes occurring annually within a 50-mile wide coastal zone.
