1995 Bankfull discharge is important because the bankfull stage is the level at which water begins to flow over the floodplain. When water flows over the floodplain, then it is by definition a flood. Bankfull discharge is also important because of its role in forming the physical dimensions of the channel. Flows near bankfull stage move the most sediment over the long-term and the processes of sediment transport and deposition are most active in forming the channel.
Bankfull stage is often difficult to identify in the field.
This video discusses key steps and demonstrates techniques that can be used to consistently identify the bankfull level for a variety of different streams and rivers in the western United States.