Bankfull stage

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000272",
  "term": "Bankfull stage",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "The elevation of the water surface in a river or stream channel when the flow completely fills the channel without overflowing onto the floodplain. This stage represents the discharge at which channel-forming processes are most effective. It is a geomorphological indicator often used in river management and flood plain delineation.",
    "An established gage height at a given location along a river or stream, above which a rise in water surface will cause the river or stream to overflow the lowest natural stream bank somewhere in the corresponding reach. The term \"lowest bank\" is however, not intended to apply to an unusually low place or a break in the natural bank through which the water inundates a small area. Bankfull stage is not necessarily the same as flood stage."
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "flood stage"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/bankfull-stage/"
}