This month in History: Borah Peak Earthquake

As news surfaced in the past week that a 3.8 magnitude earthquake hit in Soda Springs it reminded us of a much larger one that hit in the state of Idaho many years ago.

Oct. 28 was the 35th anniversary of the largest earthquake to ever hit in our state. The Borah Peak Earthquake caused the valley floors around the mountain to sink five feet while the Mountain grew a foot and a half. The quake left behind a 21 mile long, gash, or fault scarp, in the valley. In some areas a separation between the mountain and valley measured up to 14 feet apart.

The powerful earthquake rocked the whole state, but the towns of Challis and Mackay took the brunt of it. Over $12.5 million dollars damages were done in the area. Eleven commercial buildings and 39 homes were reported as having major damage with eight buildings along Mackay's Main Street being condemned. Over 200 other buildings had minor to moderate damage.

In Challis two children were killed during the quake. The six and seven-year-olds were walking to school when brick and debris from a building collapsed on top of them. Bystanders quickly dug the children out, but were unable to save them.

On Nov. 18, 1983 President Ronald Reagan declared the Borah Peak Borak Earthquake a major disaster.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the Mountain Home News or click on this link to subscribe to the newspaper's online edition.