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                                UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549



                                   FORM 8-K
                                Current Report


    Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

      Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) February 10, 1998


                          SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


            California                  1-7850            88-0085720
  (State or other jurisdiction of    (Commission       (I.R.S. Employer 
  incorporation or organization)     File Number)     Identification No.)

     5241 Spring Mountain Road
       Post Office Box 98510
         Las Vegas, Nevada                              89193-8510
(Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)


      Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (702) 876-7237




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ITEM 5.      OTHER EVENTS

On February 10, 1998, Southwest Gas Corporation (the Company)
released summary financial information to the general public,
including the investment community, regarding the Company's
operating performance and financial position for the quarter and year
ended December 31, 1997.  The financial information released is included
herein.  This information is summary in nature and should not be
considered complete financial statements.


ITEM 7.      EXHIBITS

99           Financial Analyst Report -- Fourth Quarter 1997




                            SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.



                                  SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION


                                             
Date: February 10, 1998              /s/ EDWARD A. JANOV         
                                -----------------------------
                                       Edward A. Janov
                                Vice President/Controller and
                                 Chief Accounting Officer

                                      EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit                                Description
Number    
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  99      Financial Analyst Report - Fourth Quarter 1997