Earthquake Hazard Along the Wasatch Front

Salt Lake County and the greater Wasatch Front area sit in a zone of heightened earthquake activity known as the Intermountain seismic belt (ISB). The Wasatch Fault is of particular concern because of its volatility and proximity to population centers. The infrastructure in Salt Lake County seems to be at risk because of the placement of major roads in relation to liquefaction zones. When sandy, water-saturated soils are subjected to ground shaking the can become "liquefied" and behave like a viscous fluid. Major roads in Salt Lake County, such as I-15 and I-215 are located within or near the areas with the highest potential for liquefaction (see map below). High numbers of people live along the Wasatch fault line and in areas with high potential for liquefaction, so having compromised transportation systems may cause a delay in emergency response. There are a number of emergency care facilities that are at risk of being cut-off to the public because of their proximity to hazards, particularly in the northwestern portion of Salt Lake County.  

Question 2: How close (in miles) do you live, work, or go to school near a fault line and what liquefaction zone are you in?  What potential hazards might you expect during or following an earthquake along the Wasatch Front?

I live in Sandy, UT approximately 3.1 miles west of the Wasatch Fault and in an area with low potential for liquefaction. Ground shaking and structure damage are a hazard to anyone living near an active earthquake fault. Sandy, UT has a high potential for ground shaking. Other hazards may include liquefaction and separation from medical care and other necessities.