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Hebgen Lake quake, August 17th, 1959
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Map courtesy USGS
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hebgen Lake earthquake, known to many as the Yellowstone quake (Hebgen Lake is a reservoir just west of the park).
The earthquake measured 7.3 on the Richter scale and was felt as far away as British Columbia, North Dakota, and Utah. It was caused by simultaneous movement on two faults, the Red Canyon Fault and the Hebgen Fault, creating the largest earthquake ever recorded in the state of Montana.
The earthquake had dramatic effects in and outside Yellowstone National Park. The quake caused new geysers to form, and from some hot springs muddy water flowed. One notable example was named Seismic Geyser, due to its origin. It started as a ground crack that form during the quake that soon turned into a fumarole (steam vent) and over time, matured into a geyser.
At Hebgen Lake itself considerable damage was caused by waves generated by the quake. These waves, known as seiche, differ from tsunami waves because in a seiche the entire water within a lake continues to slosh back and forth as the earthquake distorts the lake bed. Cabins along the lake shore were lifted off their foundations by the waves and were dumped when the waves receeded. The dam itself, though damaged, held.
Tragically the greatest damage was done at a campground along the Madison River in Montana. The quake caused a massive landslide that buried a portion of the campground, burying dozens alive. The slide also dammed the Madison River, creating what is now called Quake Lake.
For more info: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Seismic Geyser, Historical photographs (USGS).
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