How are some shallow flooding areas defined instead of using a base flood elevation?

Shallow flooding areas are often defined by specifying the base flood depth rather than a base flood elevation. This is particularly useful in situations where the flooding condition is characterized more by the depth of water than by the elevation of a specific flood point.

Using base flood depth helps to indicate the anticipated water level during a flood event, allowing for more appropriate planning and management of floodplain areas. For instance, a base flood depth of a certain height (often measured in feet) can inform property owners and planners about the depth of water that can be expected in a flood event, which is crucial for implementing flood mitigation strategies and informing construction and policy decisions.

Other definitions like base flood zone or minimum flood risk do not specifically address the nature of shallow flooding as effectively as base flood depth does. Average flood height involves a similar idea but doesn't provide the precise detail needed for clarity in shallow flood areas. Thus, base flood depth serves as the most accurate and practical measure for defining these particular flooding conditions.