A method and apparatus for generating an autonomous Pilot Strength Measurement Message (PSMM) by a mobile station traveling in a multi-carrier wireless communication system. In a multi-carrier system, the mobile station receives the pilot channel of a base station on multiple carrier frequencies simultaneously. Fading may vary from carrier frequency to carrier frequency. New pilot strength definitions are used by the mobile station in a set of rules transmitted by the base station. The set of rules determines autonomous generation and transmission of PSMMs by the mobile station upon detection of pilots.