How do I determine what Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) applies to my property?
The Katrina Recovery Maps depict ABFEs (that is, elevation that FEMA recommends be used for rebuilding) for defined areas or zones. The visual appearance of these advisory zones and elevations was intentionally made similar to the format of flood hazard data shown on FEMA’s FIRMs. [Note: Individuals unfamiliar with FIRMs can view the online tutorial, “How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).”] On the Katrina Recovery Maps, each ABFE zone is outlined in yellow and is labeled with the applicable advisory flood zone type and whole-foot elevation (e.g., ABFE Zone AE EL 12 on the September 21, 2007, maps). The September 21, 2007, ABFEs are measured relative to North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88), and this is noted in the recovery map legend. For more details on ABFE determination, consult the applicable guidance document for Advisory Addendum #1, dated September 21, 2007.
The Katrina Recovery Maps show ABFE contours as yellow and red lines labeled with coastal flood elevations, which are measured relative to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88) or roughly sea level. The whole-foot ABFE listed on each contour can be directly applied to properties located along that contour; for properties situated between contour lines, the ABFE must be interpolated. For example, if a property is located half-way between the 19- and 20-foot ABFE contours, the ABFE at the site is approximately 19.5 feet. Property owners should seek assistance from their local floodplain administrator for site-specific ABFE determinations.
The Katrina Recovery Maps depict ABFEs (that is, elevations that FEMA recommends be used for rebuilding) for defined areas or zones. The visual appearance of these advisory zones and elevations was intentionally made similar to the format of flood hazard data shown FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). [Note: Individuals unfamiliar with FIRMs can view the online tutorial, “How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).”] On the Katrina Recovery Maps, each ABFE zone is outlined in yellow and is labeled with the applicable advisory flood zone type and whole-foot elevation (e.g., ABFE VE17). ABFEs are measured relative to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29), or roughly sea level. The whole-foot ABFE listed on each contour can be directly applied to properties located within the zone. On some maps, a thick yellow line marks the inland limit of the ABFEs; landward of this line, ABFEs do not apply.
The Rita Recovery Maps depict ABFEs (that is, elevations that FEMA recommends be used for rebuilding) for defined areas or zones. The visual appearance of these advisory zones and elevations was intentionally made similar to the format of flood hazard data shown FEMA’s FIRMs. [Note: Individuals unfamiliar with FIRMs can view the online tutorial, “How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).”] On the Rita Recovery Maps, each ABFE zone is outlined in yellow and is labeled with the applicable advisory flood zone type and whole-foot elevation (e.g., ABFE Zone VE Elevation 16). ABFEs are measured relative to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29), or roughly sea level. The whole-foot ABFE listed on each contour can be directly applied to properties located within the zone. On some maps, a thick yellow line marks the inland limit of the ABFEs; landward of this line, ABFEs do not apply.
