The Truth About The Deadliest Earthquake In Montana History

Earthquakes are fairly common in Montana, and the state is the 4th most seismically active in America. A portion of Yellowstone National Park, home to the world's largest super volcano, is in Montana. As we approach the anniversary of the the largest earthquake ever recorded in Montana, here's a look back at that terrifying night and the destruction it caused.

The Anniversary of Montana's Deadliest Earthquake

The night of August 17, 1959 will forever be remembered as one of the most terrifying nights in Montana history. That night, 28 people died, an entire mountain fell. Damage from the earthquake can still be seen today.

At approximately 11:37 p.m. when the Hebgen Lake Earthquake happened, million of tons of rock, debris, and mud slid down and blocked a portion of the Madison River below the lake. The power of the earthquake caused the bottom of Hebgen Lake to tilt, forcing water to spill ferociously over the dam into the canyon below. The Hebgen Lake Earthquake measured a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter Scale.

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According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Montana is one of the most seismically active states in America. In 2023, Livingston, Montana experienced its largest earthquake in over a decade. It measured a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter Scale. Click here for a list of the most earthquake-prone states in America.

To learn more about the Hebgen Lake Earthquake, a visit to the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center is a must. It's located on Highway 287 at the original site of the earthquake. The first time I visited the center, I was blown away when I learned about all of the campers that are still buried underneath the rubble and debris. The quake occurred on the western edge of Yellowstone National Park, and details about the horrific night can be found here.