Hurricane Katrina Surge Inundation and Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

FEMA has developed Hurricane Katrina Surge Inundation and Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps (referred to as, “Katrina Recovery Maps”) to aid Jefferson Parish property owners to repair or rebuild structures to newly determined advisory coastal flood elevations. These maps are based on Flood Recovery Guidance for Jefferson Parish (PDF 217KB) that FEMA published in April 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the Katrina Recovery Map that shows my property?

Map that links to PDF version of Index Map of Jefferson ParishTo locate a particular property, the first step is to determine which detailed Katrina Recovery Map panel applies to the area of interest.  Users should first consult the Jefferson Parish Index Map (PDF 3.3MB), which shows which panels were produced and what area is covered by each. Panel numbers are shown in green text (e.g., MM40). Panels were only produced for areas where structures or other significant development could be observed on recent aerial photography. 

Once the detailed Katrina Recovery Map panel number is known, it can be opened by clicking on the corresponding panel number on the parish map immediately below. The panel will open up in the internet browser window using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. The Katrina Recovery Map panels range in size from 1.0 MB to 2.5 MB.

 

 

Map Panel S30 Map Panel T30 Map Panel T31 Map Panel U31 Map Panel U30 Map Panel V29 Map Panel V30 Map Panel W31 Map Panel W30 Map Panel W29 Map Panel X30 Map Panel X31 Map Panel Y32 Map Panel Y31 Map Panel Y30 Map Panel Z33 Map Panel Z32 Map Panel Z31 Map Panel Z30 Map Panel Z29 Map Panel Z28 Map Panel Z27 Map Panel AA33 Map Panel AA32 Map Panel AA31 Map Panel AA30 Map Panel AA29 Map Panel AA28 Map Panel AA27 Map Panel BB25 Map Panel BB26 Map Panel BB27 Map Panel BB28 Map Panel BB29 Map Panel BB30 Map Panel BB31 Map Panel BB32 Map Panel BB33 Map Panel CC32 Map Panel CC29 Map Panel CC28 Map Panel CC27 Map Panel CC26 Map Panel CC25 Map Panel DD25 Map Panel DD26 Map Panel DD27 Map Panel DD28 Map Panel DD29 Map Panel DD30 Map Panel EE30 Map Panel EE29 Map Panel EE28 Map Panel EE27 Map Panel EE26 Map Panel EE25 Map Panel FF27 Map Panel FF26 Map Panel FF25

Map Panel D31 Map Panel E31 Map Panel E32 Map Panel E33 Map Panel F33 Map Panel F34 Map Panel F35 Map Panel G36 Map Panel G35 Map Panel G34 Map Panel H36 Map Panel H35

Katrina Recovery Maps are for advisory purposes only; they do not supersede effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The Hurricane Katrina-related data presented are preliminary and subject to update as additional data become available.

How do I determine what Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) applies to my property?

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.

I know my ABFE. How high above ground does this mean I have to elevate my structure?

Since the ABFEs are measured relative to NGVD29 (or roughly sea level), property owners will need ground elevations to determine how high above grade a structure should be elevated to meet the ABFE. Property owners are advised to consult with a licensed surveyor or professional engineer to determine ground elevations at their site. Once ground elevation is known, it can be subtracted from the ABFE to calculate the height above grade that a structure’s first floor (in A Zones) or lowest horizontal structural member (in V Zones) should be elevated.

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Last Modified: Wednesday, 14-Jun-2006 09:44:50 EDT