According to NFIP standards, if the flood fringe were completely filled, the base flood elevation could rise by how much?

The base flood elevation (BFE) is the level at which there is a 1% chance of flooding in a given year, and it is a key component in floodplain management. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards, if the flood fringe—a zone where floodwaters are expected to spread out—were to be completely filled, the potential rise in the base flood elevation is typically estimated to be around 1 foot.

This is based on hydrological and engineering studies that analyze how filling in floodplains impacts water flow and storage. A rise of 1 foot is significant as it influences both flood risk and management practices. It indicates that even relatively small changes in the flood fringe can have substantial consequences on flooding dynamics, which is why this figure is crucial for planning and regulatory purposes. Understanding that a 1-foot increase in BFE can protect life and property helps communities implement appropriate zoning and mitigation measures in flood-prone areas.

Filling the flood fringe further contributes to the notion that floodplain areas must be preserved to manage groundwater flows effectively and reduce flood risks.