Natural and Beneficial Functions of Floodplains

Flooding is a Natural Process

Flooding is a natural process that forms and maintains floodplains. Mohave County's mountain and desert topography lends itself well to the numerous flash flood events that we have each year during severe rainfall events. Our floodplains contain the runoff from these events until it dissipates. These seasonal and storm-generated variations in water flow, including periodic flooding, are part of the normal function of the floodplain zone.

Periodic flows of water which run down the County’s natural system of washes, streams and rivers are the lifeblood of these riparian corridors, marshes, beaches, and other natural areas. The seasonal variability of flow, as well as intermittent extreme events combine to determine both the physical structure and the biological diversity of floodprone areas.

Natural and Beneficial Functions of Floodplains:

• Control of floodwater by allowing it to spread over a large area and reduce velocities
• Groundwater recharge & filtering of impurities from runoff
• Support of riparian habitat (areas along the corridor of a wash, river or stream that contain vegetation and wildlife)
• Replenish soils
• Provide recreational opportunities for walkways, bike paths, open space or conservation

A floodplain is a fragile environment and can lose its ability to function properly by natural changes or human alteration.  Non-structural management activities, such as the regulation of development in floodplains, keep floodplains clear to function as nature intended.

Please keep our floodplains open and clean! Never dump waste or unauthorized fill in a drainage way or floodplain.

FEMA 409: “The Natural and Beneficial Functions of Floodplains” is available at the Kingman Branch of the Mohave County Library or the Flood Control District Office.  It can also be ordered through the FEMA Library.

Critical Habitats and Wetlands
 
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website provides information about fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats.  For people living with natural floodplains, the most valuable information from the website can be found in the Wetlands and Endangered Species sections.
 
The National Wetlands Inventory website includes the Wetlands Mapper, National, State and Regional Reports and much more information about Wetlands across the United States.  Click here for a link to the National Wetlands Inventory.
 
Within the Endangered Species website, the Critical Habitat Portal offers an online mapper & downloadable files for Threatened and Endangered Species.  From the list of species users can access spatial data, Federal Register Documents and species profile information.  Click here for a link to the Critical Habitat Portal.