Flash Flood — Washburn, Wisconsin

2025-07-04 · near Shell Lake Arpt, Washburn, Wisconsin

Event narrative

The intersection of Cadle Road and Sunset Drive was washed out by the North Fork of the Clam River. Work to repair the washed out culvert was not completed until after July 21st.

Wider weather episode

A warm front lifted across northwestern Wisconsin the morning of the 4th bringing a very warm and humid airmass to the region. Thunderstorms developed during the afternoon hours with a few being severe across Burnett and Washburn counties. Sporadic wind damage to trees was reported along with some marginally severe hail. Areas just west of the town of Shell Lake in Bashaw Township in Washburn County saw extensive damage due to flash flooding caused by slow moving storms with very heavy rainfall. Numerous roads and culverts in the area were completely washed out and repairs were not completely for 2 to 3 weeks in some cases due to the extent of the damage.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (45.7300, -91.9700)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1280766. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.