About Idaho Earthquake Information 
Mission:
          Idaho ranks fifth in the nation in terms of seismic danger. Based on the Uniform Building Code seismic zones, only California, Nevada, Utah and Alaska have a greater overall seismic hazard than Idaho. Of the largest earthquakes in the contiguous United States in the last half century, one occurred in Idaho (1983 Borah Peak) and another within a few miles of the state's border (1959 Hebgen Lake). Despite the sparse population near the epicenters, both of these magnitude 7+ events caused fatalities and millions of dollars in damage. Accordingly, the mission of the Idaho Geological Survey's Idaho Earthquake Information website is to monitor, analyze, and report on Idaho earthquakes, to make data from earthquake events available to the public, and to measure the seismic hazards present in the State.
The Advanced National Seismograph System in Idaho:
          The Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) is a program of the United States Geological Survey to create a national network of seismic stations to deliver realtime information about damaging earthquakes as well as research data to better understand seismicity and hence assist emergency managers in preparing for and reducing losses from earthquakes. ANSS provides an opportunity for Idaho to establish a statewide virtual network to collect and interpret seismic information, and report on those interpretation.  The Idaho Geological Survey is designated by statute as the lead agency for the collection and dissemination of geologic data and has offices in Moscow at the University of Idaho, in Boise at Boise State University, and in Pocatello at Idaho State University. The IGS maintains a direct contact with the U.S. Geological Survey and also an active role in the Association of American State Geologists and the Western States Seismic Policy Council. Therefore, the technical portions of ANSS are coordinated by the Idaho Geological Survey.

When fully functional, uutputs will include:

  • Real-time alerts to the emergency management community (Bureau of Disaster Services, Idaho Department of Water Resources, Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho State Police, Department of Environmental Quality, and county government)
  • Data for geoscientists, engineers, and land-use planners
  • Hazard information for business and government contingency planners
  • Information for educators, students, and citizens

For further information about the implementation of ANSS in Idaho: http://www.seis.utah.edu/anss/idaho.shtml
Facilities:
          Idaho Earthquake Information  is hosted on the campus of the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. The office is in the Seismology Laboratory (Room 204) of McClure Hall. This lab also houses the State seismic hazard archives and a seismic observatory for public viewing..
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This site is maintained by the Idaho Geological Survey Office Staff.