Santa Clara County

Earthquakes Near Los Gatos, California

Real-time earthquake monitoring for Los Gatos and surrounding areas within 25 miles. Located in the Santa Clara / San Jose / Morgan Hill region along the Calaveras Fault.

Within 25mi

22,211

total earthquakes

30-Day Activity

recent earthquakes

Avg Magnitude

1.20

Max Recorded

5.5

Recent Activity Near Los Gatos

21 earthquakes recorded within 25 miles of Los Gatos in the last 30 days. The largest was M2.3.

Earthquake Risk in Los Gatos

Los Gatos is located in Santa Clara County, California, one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. The city sits within the San Francisco Bay Area, which is traversed by several major fault systems.

The nearest major fault to Los Gatos is the Calaveras Fault. This fault system is capable of producing earthquakes that could cause significant ground shaking in the area. Residents are encouraged to be prepared with emergency supplies and an earthquake plan.

Los Gatos Earthquake FAQ

Is Los Gatos at risk for earthquakes?

Yes, Los Gatos is located in Santa Clara County within the seismically active San Francisco Bay Area. The region sits near several major fault systems, including the Calaveras Fault. Scientists estimate a 72% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake in the Bay Area within the next 30 years.

What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Los Gatos?

If you feel shaking in Los Gatos, remember "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, exterior walls, and anything that could fall. If you're outdoors, move away from buildings, power lines, and trees.

How do I report feeling an earthquake in Los Gatos?

You can report feeling an earthquake in Los Gatos using Bay Tremor's "Did You Feel It?" feature or through the USGS website. Your reports help scientists understand earthquake intensity distribution and improve hazard assessments for Santa Clara County.

What is the nearest fault line to Los Gatos?

The nearest major fault to Los Gatos is the Calaveras Fault. This fault is part of the San Andreas Fault system and is capable of producing significant earthquakes. Residents should maintain emergency supplies and have an earthquake preparedness plan.

How often do earthquakes occur near Los Gatos?

The Bay Area, including areas near Los Gatos, experiences hundreds of small earthquakes each year. Most are too small to feel (below magnitude 2.0), but noticeable earthquakes occur regularly. Larger earthquakes (magnitude 4.0+) that are widely felt happen several times per year across the Bay Area.

What earthquake supplies should Los Gatos residents have?

Los Gatos residents should prepare an earthquake kit containing: 3-7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, medications, important documents, cash, and a battery-powered radio. Also secure heavy furniture to walls and know how to shut off gas and electricity.

What are earthquake swarms near Los Gatos?

The Calaveras Fault is known for producing earthquake swarms - sequences of many small earthquakes over days or weeks. If Los Gatos is near this fault, you may experience periods of elevated seismic activity. While these swarms rarely produce damaging earthquakes, they're reminders to stay prepared.