At each stage of the mapping project, the process requires both data and anecdotal information from community officials such as floodplain managers, emergency managers, public works, and engineers. If the mapping team receives this information in a timely manner, we incorporate it into our study.   Without this community input, there is a risk that mapped results may not adequately reflect the community’s flooding experience.

Click this video link to find out exactly how and when local communities participate and provide feedback throughout the floodplain mapping process.

What does it mean to be in or outside of a Special Flood Hazard Zone? Here's a slide show to help you understand A and V zones:
Understand the Risk Represented by the Various Flood Zones

Here is a full list of flood zone designations with descriptions.
Flood Zone Descriptions

This training will review and provide guidance on various methods to determine a BFE in an Approximate Zone A. Approximate Zone A's are areas on a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) that have not been studied using detailed hydrologic/hydraulic methods. These areas are shown as "Zone A" without a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) when they are identified on the FIRM or the Flood Insurance Study (FIS).

Click this link to access the training video.
Training example 1: 2D Grids. Click here
Training example 2: 2D WSE Contours Click here
Training example 3: HEC-RAS model Click here 
Training example 4: Contour Interpolation Click here
Training example 5: Profile Extrapolation Click here 

BFE in Zone A Overview Click here
BFE in Zone A Extrapolation Method Click here
BFE Interpolation Tool Click here

Local floodplain administrators are responsible for the enforcement of local floodplain ordinances. This includes reviewing and commenting on documentation provided to them in support of Floodplain Development Permits. Some developments may require a Floodplain Encroachment Analysis that supports No-Rise Certifications. This training will equip attendees with the skills to identify when a floodplain encroachment analysis is needed and the basic steps to review model documentation. This knowledge will help make better informed decisions as to how each proposed project impacts their community's floodplain and flood risk.

Click this link to go to the training video

Evaluating Floodplain Encroachment H&H Analyses Click here
Evaluating No-Rise Certifications Click here
Floodplain Development Documentation & Model Review Flow Chart Click here