Where does flooding typically occur?

Flooding typically occurs within the floodplain due to the natural characteristics of river systems and their surrounding landscapes. Floodplains are low-lying areas adjacent to rivers and streams, designed to accommodate excess water during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. When the volume of water in a river exceeds its bank capacity, it overflows into these floodplain areas, leading to flooding.

Floodplains not only act as a buffer to manage excess water, but they also provide critical habitat for wildlife and support rich ecosystems. These regions are typically characterized by their flat topography and are often more prone to inundation, especially during severe weather events.

In contrast, upland areas are generally elevated regions that would not face flooding unless there is extreme runoff or localized heavy rains. Steep hillsides also do not hold water long enough to create flooding; instead, they tend to facilitate rapid drainage. Dry riverbeds, which are areas that normally carry water but may not be saturated, also do not experience flooding unless there is significant rainfall that leads to downstream runoff.