FEMA is providing a look at flood data availability and
relative Base Level Engineering analysis through the
Estimated Base Flood Elevation Viewer (Estimated BFE
Viewer). Base Level Engineering uses high resolution ground
elevation data, flood flow calculations, and fundamental
engineering modeling techniques to define flood extents for
streams. The viewer is an effective tool for property
owners, community officials, and land developers to identify
flood risk, estimated flood elevations, and flood depths for
watersheds where Base Level Engineering has been prepared.
Estimated Flood Extent
Estimated 1% Flood Depth
High risk (1% flood zone) Low to moderate risk (0.2% flood zone)
* The information included in this report is based on
the location marker shown in the map. Results are not
considered an official determination.
Flood Event
Estimated Flood Depth*
Estimated Base Flood Elevation*
1 Percent (100 Year)
0.2 Percent (500 Year)
Estimated 0.2% Flood Depth
Estimated 1% Flood Depth
The estBFE request location is near the area of
Coastal Influence.
There may be additional risk due to coastal
influence. Please consult your local Floodplain
Administrator regarding impacts that may affect the
estimated BFE. To learn more about Coastal Flood
Risk, visit FEMA.gov at
https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/coastal.
The estBFE request location is within a HUC12
watershed that intersects a levee.
Please download the Base Level Engineering analysis
and assumptions under Reports and documents to
better understand how this area was modeled and
mapped and may affect the determination.
Knowing Your Risk
Information made available from the Estimated BFE Viewer
provides hazard and risk awareness. Please consult your
local Floodplain Administrator to better understand the
estimated base flood elevation and how to take action.
Base Level Engineering data availability and analysis
information is important because it can be used to:
Inform floodplain management decisions and ordinance
administration;
Identify significant floodplain changes;
Serve as base modeling for map revisions; and
Support the Zone A BFE information for a Letter of Map
Amendment (LOMA) request.
Using This Data
Consult the local floodplain manager and building
department in your community before making any building
or land modifications.
Local officials may use this information to regulate
development near flooding sources to create more
flood-resilient communities. Local building and permitting
requirements vary by community and are based on local
decisions and ordinances.
Everyone is at risk.
The chances of experiencing a flood can vary due to
unevaluated conditions, such as the unstudied effects of
community growth and development or intense storms
uncharacteristic to historical trends. Maintaining or
obtaining a flood insurance policy is essential to ensure a
property owner is covered if a flood occurs. Visit
http://FloodSmart.gov for more information on the costs of
flooding and to locate an insurance agent in your area.
Base Level Engineering and the Estimated BFE Viewer tool
help identify the BFE in effective Zone As.
If a property owner believes that a structure is above or
outside of the base flood extent in an effective Zone A, a
LOMA request may be submitted and the flood risk report from
the Estimated BFE Viewer should be included. To complete an
application, use the online web-based tool or download the
paper forms (https://www.fema.gov/letter-map-changes). Items
needed to apply include the following:
Copy of a plat map that identifies the property
and includes the locality's recording information – OR –
Copy of the property deed with both locality's
recording information and the property's written legal
description and a
parcel or tax map identifying the location.
Elevation information indicating the lowest
adjacent grade to the building certified by a licensed
land surveyor or registered professional engineer,
except for buildings clearly shown outside the
SFHA. If built recently, building permit files may
contain this information. Note the professional may use
the estimated BFE (estBFE) results for the BFE value on
the elevation form or certificate.
The
Estimated BFE flood risk information report
relative to the property indicating the estimated flood
level and model.
A letter of acceptance and support from your local
floodplain administrator
for the Estimated BFE information included in your
report.
Please note other types of development may require
additional documentation and possibly an application fee. A
LOMA may result in removal of the SFHA designation and the
Federal requirement for flood insurance. However,
maintaining a flood policy may still be required by the
lender. Flood insurance coverage to repair damage caused by
flooding is available for areas outside the SFHA.
Taking Action
Floods can happen anywhere at any time, which is why it is
important to be prepared and to take steps before a flood
event to protect your property from costly damage.
Mitigation measures to consider include the following:
Elevating.
Elevating the lowest floor of new or existing buildings
above the BFE reduces risk and may lower flood insurance
premiums.
Interior Modification.
Raising the equipment servicing the building or
infilling basements susceptible to flooding.
Dry Floodproofing.
Sealing your structure to prevent floodwaters from
entering. Residential property insurance is not reduced
if dry floodproofing is used. Only commercial properties
receive reduced flood insurance when dry floodproofing
is used.
Wet Floodproofing and Flood Vents.
Making portion of a building more resistant to flood
damage or, in some cases, allowing water to enter during
a flood to prevent damages by equalizing pressure on
walls and foundations.
Deciding on the right method to mitigate future damage and
loss requires an assessment of various factors: the hazards
to your home, permit requirements, the technical limitations
of the methods, and cost.
Discuss the potential mitigation options with your local
floodplain administrator and building department to
determine the next appropriate steps.
