RMC-BestFit 2.0: Enhanced Flood Frequency Analysis and Beyond

New to RMC-BestFit? Start with the basics

If you are new to RMC-BestFit and would like to build the essential concepts, we recommend completing the foundational On-demand course: RMC-BestFit Deep Dive: Unlock the Full Power of Flood Frequency Analysis.

This introductory course walks you through the core interface, data preparation steps and baseline frequency analysis workflows, giving you the capabilities needed to confidently follow and make the most of this RMC-BestFit 2.0 course. The full course is delivered across four parts: the first three cover the foundational modules, and Part 4 introduces the advanced features of RMC‑BestFit 2.0 (this course).

Course Overview

This course provides a practical introduction to new feature and functionalities in RMC‑BestFit 2.0, guiding participants through hydrologic data preparation, frequency analysis, and advanced Bayesian modelling. Through real‑world demonstrations, participants will learn how to download and prepare hydrologic data and produce defensible flood frequency estimates for dams, levees, and flood risk management studies.

Learning Outcomes

In this course, you will be able to:

• Download time series data from international sources and prepare block maximum and peaks-over-threshold input datasets for analysis.
• Configure and run univariate, Bulletin 17C, and point process flood frequency analysis with Bayesian uncertainty quantification.
• Apply advanced models including mixture distributions, composite distributions, and copula-based bivariate analysis.
• Perform coincident frequency analysis, rating curve estimation, and time series modelling (ARIMAX).
• Produce defensible frequency estimates with full Bayesian uncertainty quantification for dam and levee safety decisions.

Course Outline

Part: Comprehensive Flood Frequency Analysis with RMC-BestFit

• Data acquisition and preparation: downloading time series from USGS, BoM, GHCN, and CHMN; input data types (exact, uncertain, interval, threshold); hypothesis tests and diagnostics; block maximum and POT extraction.
• Core frequency analysis: stationary and nonstationary univariate models with quantile priors; Bulletin 17C (Log-Pearson III); point process models for POT data with censored observations.
• Advanced distribution models: mixture distributions, composite distributions (competing risks, mixed populations, Bayesian model averaging), and copula-based bivariate analysis.
• Supporting analysis: coincident frequency analysis, stage-discharge rating curve estimation, and ARIMAX time series modelling.
• Live demonstrations: download BoM data and fit a LP3 univariate analysis; create POT data and fit a seasonal point process; download USGS stage-discharge data and fit a rating curve.

Format

• 2+ hours of session recordings with unlimited access for 30-days.
• Pre-and-post-course materials to go through via the AWS learning platform.
• Additional resources and working model download/s.
• Ability to ask questions to the presenters at anytime through the learning platform.

Pre-requisites

• A general understanding of flood hydrology, flood frequency analysis, and basic statistical concepts.
• Familiarity with basic probability terminology such as return periods, exceedance probabilities, and probability distributions.
• To learn the RMC-BestFit functionalities where our presenters’ step through their own data sets to develop flood frequency analysis, filter outliers, and incorporate non-stationarity, register for the AWS On-demand Courses:
  • RMC-BestFit Deep Dive: Unlock the Full Power of Flood Frequency Analysis
  • Mastering FFA: incorporating extreme events and climate change
• (Optional) Prior exposure to flood frequency analysis, the Bulletin 17C guidelines, or Australian Rainfall and Runoff.
• AWS Webinar to get an overview of the features and functionalities of RMC-BestFit
  

Requirements

Software:

• Microsoft Excel for input data.
• Software requirements:
  • RMC-BestFit 2.0: https://github.com/USACE-RMC/RMC-BestFit/releases

Hardware:

• A good internet connection.
• Computer with 64-bit Windows OS 10 or later.
  • A minimum 512 MB of RAM.
  • A minimum 2 GB of free disk space.
• Dual Monitor setup: 1280 x 1024 screen resolution or higher

Completion certification

• Participants earn CPD hours/points (i.e. with Engineers Australia) for at least 2 hours for the entire course. 
• On completion of the course attendees will be issued with a Certificate of Completion. 

Refund Policy

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)