1992 Big Bear earthquake


The 1992 Big Bear earthquake occurred at on June 28 in Big Bear Lake, California, with a moment magnitude of 6.5 and a maximum perceived intensity of VIII on the Mercalli intensity scale. The earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of.

Earthquake

The Big Bear earthquake happened east of Los Angeles, and 3 hours 26 minutes after the M 7.3 1992 Landers earthquake occurred 22 miles to the east. It was first believed to be an aftershock of the larger event. However, the United States Geological Survey determined that it was a separate, but related, shock. The two events are considered a regional sequence, rather than a main shock and aftershock. They were part of a complex pattern of regional stress adjustment that also led to the 1999 Hector Mine earthquake.

Damage

In the Big Bear area, severe damage was reported. Roughly 2,600 chimneys were destroyed, 20 homes were knocked off their foundations, and many unreinforced masonry structures partially or completely collapsed. Ruptured gas pipelines and dislodged fuel tanks caused by the tremor sparked fires that destroyed additional structures. The earthquake also caused landslides in the San Bernardino Mountains, blocking several roadways and creating dust clouds that led many to believe forest fires were occurring. The Stanfield Cutoff was heavily damaged, and had to be closed for several days for repairs.
Marilyn Quayle, wife of then-Vice President Dan Quayle, toured the damage in Big Bear. In total, approximately 40 percent of structures in the Big Bear area suffered some degree of damage, amounting to more than $60 million in losses. 63 injuries were attributed to this earthquake, most of which were minor.