Loading earthquake data...
"The Most Dangerous Fault in America"
The Hayward Fault runs directly through the most densely populated part of the Bay Area - Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, and Fremont. Over 2.5 million people live near this fault, which hasn't had a major earthquake since 1868.
The USGS estimates a 33% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake on the Hayward Fault in the next 30 years - the highest probability of any individual Bay Area fault. The last major earthquake was over 155 years ago.
Unlike the San Andreas which runs through relatively unpopulated areas in the Bay Area, the Hayward Fault runs directly through downtown Oakland, the UC Berkeley campus, and other densely populated cities. BART crosses the fault in multiple locations.
Based on paleoseismic studies, major earthquakes occur on the Hayward Fault about every 140 years on average. The last one was in 1868 - more than 155 years ago. Stress continues to accumulate.
Many East Bay buildings were built before modern earthquake codes. "Soft-story" apartment buildings (with garages on the ground floor) are particularly vulnerable and common in Oakland and Berkeley.
Critical infrastructure including BART, major highways (I-880, I-580), water supply lines, and the UC Berkeley campus all cross or sit adjacent to the fault. A major earthquake could cripple regional transportation.
| City | Population | Distance | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 433K | On fault | Critical |
| Berkeley | 124K | On fault | Critical |
| Fremont | 230K | On fault | Critical |
| Hayward | 162K | On fault | Critical |
| San Leandro | 91K | 1 mi | Very High |
| Richmond | 116K | 2 mi | Very High |
| Union City | 74K | 1 mi | Very High |
| San Jose | 1M | 8 mi | High |
The most destructive earthquake in Bay Area history until 1906. Surface rupture from Oakland to Fremont. Caused significant damage in San Francisco across the bay.
Centered beneath UC Berkeley campus. Widely felt across the Bay Area. Served as a reminder of the fault's presence.
Struck Oakland Hills near Piedmont. Felt strongly in Oakland and Berkeley. No significant damage.
Though centered on the Calaveras Fault to the south, it highlighted the interconnected nature of Bay Area fault systems.
The Hayward Fault is one of the few faults in the world where you can actually see the fault moving. This phenomenon is called "fault creep" - slow, continuous movement that occurs without earthquakes.
While creep releases some stress, it only accounts for a small portion of the total plate movement. The majority of accumulated stress will still be released in future earthquakes. Creep is not preventing "the big one."
Stay informed about earthquake activity in the East Bay.