Small earthquake rattles homes in Salt Lake Valley

SALT LAKE CITY – A small earthquake rattled homes in the northwestern Salt Lake Valley, but no damage or injuries were immediately reported.

The epicenter of the magnitude 2.6 quake, which occurred at 11:22 p.m. Thursday, was 9 miles west of Salt Lake City, according to the University of Utah.

“The earthquake was not very big, but because of the proximity to the populated area, many people felt it,” university seismologist Relu Burlacu said.

Burlacu said some residents who called the school said they felt their houses shake but didn't report any objects falling from walls.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff's office did not have any reports of damage.

The University of Utah said five earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater have occurred in the area since 1962. The strongest was a 5.2 quake on Sept. 5, 1962.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20061117-0300-utahearthquake.html