Natural Disaster Risk in Butternut

Natural Hazard Profile: Butternut, Wisconsin

Butternut is a small community of about 1,827 in Ashland County, in the northern tier of the continental United States. The area experiences long, cold winters with lake-effect snow and warm summers, with severe blizzards and spring tornado outbreaks shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Butternut.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Butternut carries an overall risk score of 4.2/10, placing it in the moderate category. Extreme cold snaps top the local risk profile, with Arctic front passages causing rapid and severe temperature drops that challenge both infrastructure and outdoor safety. The area also faces notable exposure to coastal flood and winter.

Butternut's risk score, slightly below the 5.4/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Ashland County, the highest-scoring are cold wave, coastal flood, and winter. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Butternut residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for cold wave is recommended.