Did Grand Junction Colorado Experience an Earthquake Yesterday?

Several Grand Junction residents have reported what they perceived as explosions and potential seismic activity yesterday afternoon. Did Grand Junction experience an earthquake?

Put simply, no. The site Volcanodiscovery.com did report a "seismic-like event" at 12:56 p.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2021. As it turns out, though, the "event" was manmade.

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There's No Cause For Alarm

People, and pets, were deeply concerned yesterday afternoon when they heard repeated explosions. These noises were accompanied by the sensation of the earth-shaking.

Via the social media page Nextdoor, Grand Junction residents in the area of 30 and F-3/4 Road, 28 1/4 and Orchard, even 28 3/4 & Patterson heard the explosions and felt the ground shake.

The website Volcanodiscover.com shared "Reported seismic-like event (likely no quake): 2.6 mi southwest of Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado, USA, Nov 18, 2021, 12:56 p.m."

Most Reports Were in the 3:00 Hour

Most people on Nextdoor report hearing the explosions and feeling the "rumble" around 3:00 Thursday afternoon. People reported hearing between seven or eight explosions, with some in rapid succession.

Here's What Was Shakin' in Grand Junction

At times like this, it's wise to fall back on the old failsafe - a quick call to the Grand Junction Police Department's non-emergency number.

After speaking with a very helpful and friendly officer, it was confirmed the explosions and shaking ground was the result of the Grand Junction Police Department's Bomb Squad practicing at the Mesa County Landfill. Okay, they've been known to do this from time to time. In this instance, it seems the public was unaware of the planned exercise.

It appears we got off the hook this time, Grand Junction. No earthquake to report this week. Considering the 4th of July is in the rearview mirror and New Year's is still a month-and-a-half down the road, one wouldn't expect to hear much in the way of fireworks. I guess if the Bomb Squad were to practice setting off detonations, the landfill would be a wise location.