Updated

Researchers studying Southern California's San Andreas and San Jacinto faults found that stress levels have reached some of the highest points seen in a 1,000-year simulation. Because both faults are highly stressed simultaneously, scientists say the Cajon Pass junction may be increasingly primed for a rupture that could cross both fault systems. While the study does not predict when an earthquake might occur, it adds to concerns about seismic risk in the densely populated region and underscores the need for continued monitoring and preparedness.