A shallow 2.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Forks, Washington, on Sunday afternoon, May 11, 2025, at approximately 3:02 p.m. local time. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter was located about five miles east-southeast of Forks. Interestingly, the reported depth of the earthquake was -0.19 miles. According to seismologists, a negative depth does not indicate that the quake occurred in the air; rather, it reflects the challenges in determining an earthquake’s exact depth. Such negative or zero depths are often associated with very shallow earthquakes and may result from location uncertainties. In some cases, human-made events like quarry blasts can trigger seismic activity at a 0-mile depth, which may be labeled as a non-earthquake on the USGS’s earthquake map.
As of Monday morning, only two individuals had reported feeling the earthquake to the USGS. Seismologists note that while this magnitude is relatively small, the shallow depth and proximity to populated areas can sometimes amplify the shaking felt on the surface. However, there have been no reports of damage or injuries associated with this event.
Residents in the area who felt the tremor are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS through their “Did You Feel It?” website. This citizen science initiative helps seismologists gather valuable data to better understand the impact of earthquakes on communities.
