Salt Lake County faces serious earthquake risk from the Wasatch Fault — one of the most hazardous urban faults in the US. The 2020 Magna earthquake was a magnitude 5.7 — a preview of what a major Wasatch Fault rupture could produce. Scientists estimate a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on the Wasatch Front could cause 2,500 deaths and $33 billion in damage. Flash flooding and wildfire in the Wasatch Mountains add secondary threats.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
* We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 6 / 10 Moderate Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Earthquake / Flash Flooding |
| Secondary Hazard | Wildfire |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone X (Seismic Risk) |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 28 |
| Last Major Event | Magna Earthquake (2020) |
| Event Frequency | Major event every 5–6 years |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (385) 468-4480 |
| Emergency Shelters | 32 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | I-15 North, I-15 South, I-80 East, I-215 West |
// County Profile
| County | Salt Lake County UT |
| State | Utah (UT) |
| Population | 1,185,238 |
| Area | 764 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | Zone X (Seismic Risk) |
// Recent Incidents
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
// Other Utah Counties
// Nearby Infrastructure Risks
Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.
Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.