How do Best Available Maps (BAM) and FEMA maps differ from LFPZ maps?
BAM are not the same as LFPZ maps. Pursuant to Water Code Section 9610(a) and (b), BAM maps have been prepared by DWR to delineate the floodplains for both the 1 percent annual chance flood and the 0.5 percent annual chance flood using the best information currently available. LFPZ maps do not delineate flood frequency. LFPZ and BAM maps differ in the floodplains they cover. FEMA maps, including Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and the newer Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) are developed specifically to support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Unlike LFPZ maps, FIRMs and DFIRMs delineate the boundary of the 1 percent annual chance floodplain (FEMA defines as Special Flood Hazard Area) and include flood insurance risk zones; DFIRMs and the newer FIRMs also include regulatory floodways. For a description of the BAMs, see the following link to FAQs about BAM maps: http://www.water.ca.gov/floodmgmt/lrafmo/fmb/fes/best_available_maps/. For questions regarding FIRMs, y
