FloodPlain

Question 1

Characteristics of a Floodplain

Answer 1

Question 2

Floodplain

Answer 2

The area susceptible to water inundation during flood events.

Question 3

Normal Channel

Answer 3

The portion of a natural stream that conveys normal flows of water.

Question 4

Base Flood Elevation (BFE)

Answer 4

The computed elevation to which floodwater is anticipated to rise during a 100-year flood as formally defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (i.e. areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding). Note that in this usage, “100-year flood” does not mean “once every 100 years”; a particular location could experience two 100-year floods in the same year or even five 100-year floods over the course of 100 years, or not at all for 200 years or more.

Question 5

The stream channel and that portion of the adjacent floodplain that must remain open to permit passage of the 100-year flood without exceeding the Base Flood Elevation.

Answer 5

Floodway

Question 6

The floodplain area beyond the Floodway where water may be shallower and slower moving than in the Floodway.

Answer 6

Flood Fringe

Question 7

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)

Answer 7

Question 8

Who is responsible for flood protection planning?

Answer 8

The US Army Corp of Engineers is responsible for flood protection planning, partnering with city and state organizations.

Question 9

What must be included in a hazard mitigation plan?

Answer 9

The Hazard mitigation act requires communities identify natural hazards, assess the risks, and set community goals.