Small Earthquake Recorded Near Rosman Marks North Carolina’s 11th of the Year
ROSMAN, N.C. — A small earthquake shook the mountains of western North Carolina early Saturday, marking the 11th quake in the state this year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Details of the Quake
The 1.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 12:46 a.m. on Sept. 20, about 7.5 miles west of Rosman in Transylvania County. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of just 0.06 miles beneath the surface.
Rosman, a town of about 730 residents, lies on the edge of Pisgah National Forest, roughly nine miles southwest of Brevard and 140 miles west of Charlotte.
No damage was reported, and the USGS confirmed that no residents reported feeling the tremor.
A Series of Recent Tremors
This month alone, Rosman has seen multiple small quakes:
- A 2.2 magnitude quake on Sept. 17
- A 2.1 magnitude quake on Sept. 10
- Three minor quakes over a four-day span in August
Additionally, a 1.8 magnitude quake was reported Sept. 11 near Bakersville, about 100 miles northeast of Rosman.
Strongest Quake of the Year
The most powerful quake of 2025 in the region struck on May 10, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake near the Tennessee-North Carolina border. That tremor was felt as far away as Charlotte.
While earthquakes under magnitude 3.0 are considered too weak to cause damage, the frequency of tremors has drawn attention from both residents and researchers across western North Carolina.
Did you feel any of the recent tremors in Rosman or nearby mountain towns? Share your experiences with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
