Hurricane Katrina Surge Inundation and Advisory Base Flood Elevation Maps

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana - Maps - April 12, 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 Plaquemines Parish

To locate a particular property based on the April 12, 2006, guidance and depicted on the June 5, 2006, set of Katrina Recovery Maps, the first step is to determine which detailed Katrina Recovery Map panel applies to the area of interest.  If the property is located in an area designated as "To Be Determined," the Addendum #1 Katrina Recovery Maps should be used to locate the ABFE information, as described in the separate section.

Users of the June 5, 2006, Katrina Recovery Maps should first consult the overview of panels shown on the Plaquemines Parish Index Map (PDF 3.0MB), which shows the panels produced and what area is covered by each. Panel numbers are shown in green text (e.g., AA-36).  Panels were produced for this set of maps where structures or other significant development could be observed on recent aerial photography in the affected areas of Belle Chasse (sub-basin "a") and outside of levees.

Once the detailed Katrina Recovery Map panel number is found, it can be opened by clicking on the corresponding panel number on the parish map found below.  The panel will open up in the Internet browser window using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software.  The June 5, 2006, Katrina Recovery Map panels range in size from 1.1 MB to 1.9 MB.

 

Map Panel M43 Map Panel N43 Map Panel N42 Map Panel O41 Map Panel O42 Map Panel O43 Map Panel P42 Map Panel P41 Map Panel P40 Map Panel P39 Map Panel Q40 Map Panel Q39 Map Panel Q38 Map Panel Q37 Map Panel Q41 Map Panel R40 Map Panel R39 Map Panel R38 Map Panel R37 Map Panel R36 Map Panel R35 Map Panel S37 Map Panel S36 Map Panel S35 Map Panel S34 Map Panel S33 Map Panel T35 Map Panel T34 Map Panel T33 Map Panel U35 Map Panel U34 Map Panel U33 Map Panel V34 Map Panel V33 Map Panel V32 Map Panel W31 Map Panel W32 Map Panel W33 Map Panel W34 Map Panel X34 Map Panel X33 Map Panel X32 Map Panel X31 Map Panel Y31 Map Panel Y32 Map Panel Y33 Map Panel Y34 Map Panel Y35 Map Panel z37 Map Panel Z36 Map Panel Z35 Map Panel Z34 Map Panel Z33 Map Panel Z32 Map Panel AA36 Map Panel AA35 Map Panel AA34 Map Panel AA33

Map Panel D57 Map Panel E57 Map Panel E56 Map Panel F56 Map Panel F55 Map Panel F54 Map Panel F53 Map Panel F52 Map Panel G54 Map Panel G55 Map Panel H55 Map Panel H54 Map Panel H53 Map Panel I52 Map Panel I51 Map Panel I50 Map Panel I49 Map Panel I53 Map Panel J52 Map Panel J51 Map Panel J50 Map Panel J49 Map Panel J48 Map Panel J47 Map Panel J46 Map Panel K49 Map Panel K48 Map Panel K47 Map Panel K46 Map Panel L46 Map Panel M46 Map Panel M45 Map Panel M44 Map Panel N45 Map Panel N44 Map Panel O44

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, 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 VE 17 on the June 5, 2006, maps).  The effective FIRMs and these ABFEs are measured relative to either the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD29), and this is noted in the recovery map legend.  The whole-foot ABFE listed on contours shown on the June 5, 2006, set of maps can be directly applied to properties located with the zone.  On some maps, a thick yellow line marks the inland limit of the ABFEs; landward of the line, ABFEs do not apply.  For more details on ABFE determination, consult the applicable guidance document dated original April 12, 2006, guidance.

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

Since the June 5, 2006, ABFEs are measured relative to NGVD29, property owners will need ground elevations measured in the same vertical datum to determine how high above grade a structure should be elevated to meet the recommended ABFE.  Property owners are advised to consult with a licensed surveyor or professional engineer to determine ground elevations and vertical datum to apply at their site.  Once the ground elevation is known, it can be subtracted from the ABFE to calculate the height above grade the structure's first floor (in Zone AE) or lowest horizontal structural member (in Zone VE) should be elevated.

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Last Modified: Friday, 05-Oct-2007 09:51:55 EDT