A magnitude 3.1 earthquake struck near Silverton at 8:45 p.m. Saturday.

The quake was centered about 3 1/2 miles southwest of Silverton, and about nine miles northeast of Salem, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Some residents said they felt a jolt, but reported no property damage.

Seismologists say magnitudes between 3.0 and 3.9 are often felt, but rarely cause damage. The quake originated about 11 miles underground.

In December, a magnitude 4.0 quake hit south of Mollala.

Disaster preparation experts say that Oregon is ill-equipped to deal with a catastrophic earthquake.

Scientists say the chances of the "Big One" striking the Cascadia Subduction Zone in the next 50 years is between 15 and 20 percent.

-- Aimee Green