Base Flood

The purpose of this page is to define base flooding, a commonly used term in floodplain management.

Definition/Description

The flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. This is the regulatory standard also referred to as the "100-year flood." The base flood is the national standard used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and all Federal agencies for the purposes of requiring the purchase of flood insurance and regulating new development. Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) are typically shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Requirement

• 59.1 - Definition

Guidance

• IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (pages 3-4 to 3-5)

Related Keywords

• Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
• Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
• Freeboard

Special Topic Resources

• Flood Profile  
  • Managing Floodplain Development (IS-9) pp. 4-16 to 4-19