News In Brief

October 31, 1983

Earthquake may have moved an Idaho mountain

Waves of aftershocks from Thursday's major earthquake have rocked Idaho, formed a lake, and may have moved a mountain - but caused relatively few casualties.

Geologists said Sunday that Idaho's tallest peak, Mt. Borah, 12,662 feet, now measures an extra 15 feet. But they aren't sure yet whether the mountain is higher or the valley is lower. A new lake fed by spring water is forming near Mackay, a small town where nearly every house was damaged by the earthquake, town officials said.

The earthquake measured 6.9 on the Richter scale and was felt in seven states and parts of Canada. Two children were killed and damage was estimated at $25 million.