Discover the Nevada Town Most Likely to Experience an Earthquake

When you think of states that experience natural disasters, Nevada isn’t likely one that comes to mind. Although too far inland to experience extreme tsunamis, this desert state does have earthquakes. 

In fact, the state known for bright lights, unique stage acts, and gambling experiences tens of thousands of micro-earthquakes every year! The city with the highest earthquake rating in the state of Nevada is Verdi.

Verdi’s earthquake index rating is 13.54!  According to this rating, it has a higher likelihood of experiencing seismic activity than any other place in the state. Some Verdi inhabitants, and those of nearby towns, who may not have thought their location was earthquake-prone may be surprised by this discovery. 

Earthquake Index

An earthquake index gauges the likelihood of seismic activity in a given area. It is computed using a number of various variables, including the local geology and the history of earthquakes. 

It is important to remember that the earthquake index only gauges a region’s seismic risk. It does not imply that Verdi, NV, will always experience earthquakes. However, it implies that the region is more vulnerable to earthquakes than other regions of the state.

Here’s a look at a handful of cities throughout Nevada to give you an idea of how the earthquake index can vary. 

History of Verdi, NV

Throughout 1867 and 1869, the Central Pacific Railroad was built through Nevada, giving rise to modern Verdi. With an extensive system of logging tracks extending into the woods to the north and west of this location, Verdi developed into a significant mill town and destination for the transportation of ties and building timbers.

Approximately where Verdi is today, a log bridge over the Truckee River was constructed in 1860.  Originally O’Nell’s Crossing, the location operated as a stage station in the 1860s on the busy Dutch Flat and Donner Lake Road as well as the Henness Pass Turnpike and Toll Road.

A settlement was established there in 1864 by the Crystal Peak Company, about two miles from where Verdi is now. The business had interests in mining and logging close to the community that was formerly known as Crystal Peak.

Oliver Lonkey worked for the lumber company in town and ensured that Verdi remained a bustling lumbering hub well into the 20th century.  The collapse of Verdi was brought on by a fire in 1926 as well as the loss of timber supplies.

Natural Disasters in Verdi

With all that being said, Verdi doesn’t experience much when it comes to natural disasters or extreme weather. At the time of writing this, there have been 16 earthquakes in the last 48 hours. Yes, you read that right. 

You see, the vast majority of earthquakes are so small that the average person isn’t even aware it’s happening. One of these earthquakes was above magnitude 3, with the vast majority falling around a 2. 

There have been 4,629 earthquakes in Verdi, NV, since 1931. In the next 50 years, there is a 96.59% risk of a large earthquake occurring within 50 miles of Verdi, NV, according to the USGS database. In 1966, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred within 30 miles or less of Verdi.

How Earthquakes Impact Wildlife in Nevada

As Nevada is not a developed area, it is home to a variety of species. Earthquakes can kill, hurt, and relocate wildlife, which causes the natural population to dwindle.

Stronger earthquakes have the potential to kill wildlife and inflict extensive damage. They might, for example, cause landslides. Falling objects, such as entire trees and buildings, can hurt wildlife as well.

Even if their effects don’t cause damage to a species, earthquakes can nevertheless harm their environments. If habitats are damaged or lost, it may take decades for species to recover.

Smaller earthquakes won’t harm wildlife directly, yet there is still an impact that could alter their environment. Some animals could run away from home or have their regular behavior changed. The local population may decline due to disruptions in mating and breeding.

When tectonic plates shift, the incoming earthquakes may cause changes in the aquatic ecosystems that affect fish. Similar to floods and other habitat loss brought on by natural disasters, earthquakes can affect deer populations.

An animal can also lose access to food supplies or become more exposed to predators after an earthquake. Creatures that live underground will have to worry about their den collapsing. Just like how natural disasters affect humans, they affect our ecosystem just as much.

Where is Verdi, NV Located on a Map?

Verdi-Mogul was once a place in Washoe County, Nevada, United States. It has undergone a division for the 2010 census. It has since been split into two distinct CDPs: Verdi and Mogul. Positioned on the western side of the Reno–Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area, these communities are found located just off Interstate 80.

Here is Verdi, NV on a map: