M1.9 earthquake 21km NNW of Tehachapi, CA

A magnitude 1.9 earthquake struck 21km NNW of Tehachapi, CA on Sat, Apr 18, 1981, 5:03 AM PST (13:03 UTC), 4 km (3 mi) below the surface.

A larger quake followed: M3.9 17km SE of Little Lake, CA. This one was a foreshock.

Map

Where this earthquake was located, with the others nearby. Select one for its page.

No one has reported feeling this quake to the USGS.

Reviewed by a seismologist.

Distance and direction from each place to the epicenter, with its forecast.

Within 100 km, magnitude 1.5 and up: 90 in the 60 days after this one and 17 in the 30 days before it.

The first 60 of 90.

From the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program and its partner networks, event ci514587. Read Wed, Sep 23, 2026, 4:19 AM UTC.