Introduction

Base flood elevation (BFE) is a term used in floodplain management and flood insurance to determine the potential risk of flooding in a particular area. It is an important factor in building codes and insurance rates, as it helps to determine the minimum elevation that a building or structure must be built to in order to reduce the risk of flood damage.

What is Base Flood Elevation?

Base flood elevation is the height above sea level that floodwaters are expected to rise during a 100-year flood event. A 100-year flood event is a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. The BFE is determined by analyzing historical flood data, topography, and other factors that can affect flood risk.

Why is Base Flood Elevation Important?

Base flood elevation is important for several reasons:

• Building codes: The BFE is used to determine the minimum elevation that a building or structure must be built to in order to reduce the risk of flood damage. This is known as the base flood elevation requirement.
• Flood insurance: The BFE is used to determine flood insurance rates. Buildings that are located below the BFE are considered to be at a higher risk of flood damage and may have higher insurance rates.
• Floodplain management: The BFE is used to determine the boundaries of the floodplain and to regulate development in flood-prone areas.

How is Base Flood Elevation Determined?

The BFE is determined by analyzing historical flood data, topography, and other factors that can affect flood risk. This information is used to create flood maps, which show the areas that are at risk of flooding and the corresponding BFE for each area.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for creating and updating flood maps in the United States. Property owners can use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to find out if their property is located in a flood zone and to view the corresponding BFE.

Conclusion

Base flood elevation is an important factor in floodplain management, building codes, and flood insurance. It helps to determine the minimum elevation that a building or structure must be built to in order to reduce the risk of flood damage. Property owners should be aware of their property’s BFE and take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of flood damage.