USGS: 3 Small Washington Quakes No Cause For Concern

Geologists said three small earthquakes recorded in an area northwest of Mount St. Helens on Friday were part of a mini-swarm of quakes not directly related to the nearby volcano.

The Columbian says that a U.S. Geological Survey report says such quakes are common in areas around Mount St. Helens and Oregon’s Mount Hood.

The latest southwest Washington quakes included a 3.7 magnitude jolt at about 2:30 p.m. Friday, followed by a 3.4 and a 3.1, both on Friday evening.

The quakes occurred at a depth of about 8 miles. There were no reports of damage.

The USGS says volcano-related seismic activity was at normal background levels.