What do flood profiles help to determine?

Flood profiles are crucial tools that illustrate the relationship between the water surface elevation of a flood and the corresponding locations along a river or stream. These profiles indicate how high floodwaters are expected to rise during various flood events, providing critical information about flood elevations at specific points along water bodies.

By detailing the flood elevations, flood profiles assist in identifying areas susceptible to flooding and determining the levels of risk for properties situated near rivers or streams. This information is paramount for land use planning, engineering projects, and the management of flood risk as it helps in setting floodplain regulations and floodplain management practices.

Although flood profiles can indirectly influence insurance rates, floodplain widths, and floodway boundaries, their main purpose lies in accurately depicting flood elevations along rivers and streams, making them indispensable for assessing flood risk and guiding development in flood-prone areas.