On Saturday, May 9, 2026, a 4.0 Mw earthquake was recorded in central Alberta. According to Earthquakes Canada, the quake occurred at 9:05:04 a.m. local time in the area near Smoky Lake, approximately 54 kilometers east-northeast of Fort Saskatchewan and 79 kilometers east-northeast of Edmonton.
The earthquake was shallow, with a depth of only 2 kilometers. Such events can be felt more strongly than deeper quakes, even if their magnitude is not high. Earthquakes Canada notes that the earthquake was easily felt, but at the time of this update, no reports of damage had been received.
A separate report on the seismic event was published by the Alberta Energy Regulator. According to the regulator, the AER received a report from Shell Canada regarding seismic events on May 9, 2026, approximately 73 kilometers northeast of Edmonton. AER estimated the events at approximately 4.2 magnitude and reported that there were no reports of damage or injuries at that time.
The AER’s statement also noted that Shell Canada is not currently conducting operations in the area. Meanwhile, the Alberta Geological Survey, a division of the AER, is reviewing the information received to determine the nature and possible cause of the seismic event.
According to the AER, scientists at the Alberta Geological Survey use a network of over 70 seismic stations and additional data sources to measure and analyze seismic activity in Alberta. This data helps determine the location, magnitude, and likely nature of events—whether natural or potentially induced.
The Earthquakes Canada website also provides a regional seismic history. The list of the largest earthquakes in this region since 2000 includes, in particular, events with magnitudes of 5.0 in 2021, 4.6 in 2019, and 4.5 in 2026.
Earthquakes Canada asks people who felt the tremors to fill out a special questionnaire titled Did you feel it?. Such reports help experts better assess how the earthquake was felt in different communities and how widely the tremors were felt.