Stream Channels
… Channels are commonly broken into main channel areas and overbank areas.
… overbank areas are often referred to as floodplains.
… Stream gaging stations are used to determine flows based on elevations in the channel and/or floodplain.
… Bank full is often thought of as flood stage although more rigorous definitions are more applicable as they pertain to human activity and potential loss of life and property.
… It is worth noting that the 2-year return interval flow is often thought of as "bank-full".