Farmhouses in the Pocatello Valley, a short distance from the Utah border, were hard hit by the earthquake. Many were shifted off their foundations and lost chimneys. Inside, many cabinet shelves were emptied. These homes are only lived in summer and fall when farming is possible in this valley, so no one was there to be hurt during the earthquake.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

This grain storage bin in the Pocatello Valley was knocked off its foundation and split, spilling grain over the ground.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

Brick parapet walls are a hazard when the ground shakes. This one fell in Malad City, Idaho, the largest community near the epicenter. Walls and chimneys fell, foundations cracked and windows were shattered.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

In Snowville, Utah, this stone building was cracked by the ground shaking.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

Chimneys are particularly vulnerable to ground shaking. In Ridgedale, Idaho, the chimney fell through the roof of a home.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

This farmhouse in Ridgedale, Idaho, had its foundation severely cracked during the earthquake.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

In Malad City, Idaho, the brick facade was stripped off the front wall of the Thorp home and landed on the porch. Inside, irrreplaceable antiques were smashed.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

Chimney bricks dropped onto the roof and front porch of this farmhouse located in Pocatello Valley, Idaho.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

Dr. Bruce Kaliser, geologist with the Utah Geological and Mineral Survey, examines a ground crack along the north bench of Salt Lake City believed to have been caused by the earthquake.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

Eleven portable seismographs were quickly set up in the epicentral region by the University of Utah Seismograph Stations. Data recorded by these instruments contributes to a better understanding of the area's geologic structure and earthquake potential.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

This chimney did a shimmy shake during the earthquake, but did not fall. Chimneys pose a significant threat to structures and the people below them.

1975 Pocatello Valley, Idaho earthquake; magnitude 6.0

Return to Pocatello Earthquake Summary.