This course introduces the core principles of peak flow estimation using Flood Frequency Analysis (FFA) and the Regional Flood Frequency Estimation (RFFE) method. Participants learn why peak flows matter for design, how AMS (Annual Maxima Series) and threshold based series are built, and why FFA remains the most reliable way to estimate flood quantiles. The course also covers ARR2019 updates, modern fitting techniques, and the practical advantages of using FLIKE for Bayesian analysis, censoring low flows, and incorporating historical events.
Participants explore how to assess data quality, rating curves, water years, and historical sources such as TROVE to build defendable flood records. The course explains key distributions (GEV, LP3), plotting positions, and how Multiple Grubbs–Beck improves curve stability. Clear guidance is provided on when to use at site FFA versus RFFE, and how regionalisation works across Australia’s diverse hydrological zones.
Hands on exercises guide participants through constructing AMS, applying thresholds, adding historical floods, and comparing at site and regional results. By the end, participants will be confident in producing robust peak flow estimates that align with the ARR guidelines for both gauged and ungauged catchments, ready to apply directly to real world design and modelling.
Mark is a national leader in floodplain management and analysis. Mark has successfully completed numerous hydrologic, hydraulic, floodplain management, infrastructure and dam studies. Mark’s clear, ... Read more about Mark Babister
Monique has 12 years’ experience in hydrology, 2d modelling and design of major waterway openings for road projects particularly on large and coastal rivers. Monique has extensive experience in the... Read more about Monique Retallick
Course Overview
This course gives participants a practical introduction to peak flow estimation using FFA and RFFE, covering AMS construction, thresholds, historical floods and ARR2019 methods. Participants learn FLIKE workflows, rating‑curve checks, Multiple Grubbs–Beck censoring, distribution fitting and regionalisation, enabling robust peak‑flow estimates for gauged and ungauged catchments.
Learning Outcomes
In this course, you will be able to:
Construct and assess AMS datasets, thresholds and historical flood inputs for robust FFA.
Apply FLIKE workflows, including Bayesian fitting and Multiple Grubbs–Beck censoring.
Evaluate rating curves, identify missing events and improve data quality for peak‑flow estimation.
Select and interpret LP3 and GEV distributions for ARR‑aligned flood quantiles.
Compare at‑site FFA with RFFE and generate peak‑flow estimates for ungauged catchments.
Course Outline
Part: Peak Flow Estimation Using FFA, RFFE and ARR2019 Methods
(Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 10 AM – 1 PM Sydney Time)
Building Annual Maxima Series (AMS), applying thresholds and incorporating historical flood data.
Using FLIKE for Bayesian fitting, Multiple Grubbs–Beck censoring and distribution selection (LP3, GEV).
Assessing rating curves, identifying missing events and validating data quality.
Understanding ARR2019 updates and how they change FFA practice.
Format
3+ 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
Basic understanding of hydrology and catchment behaviour.
Familiarity with streamflow data, hydrographs and rating curves.
Ability to interpret rainfall data and ARR terminology.
Introductory knowledge of probability or statistics.
Prior exposure to flood studies or design hydrology is beneficial but not required.
Completion certification
Participants earn CPD hours/points (i.e. with Engineers Australia) for at least 3 hours for the entire course.
On completion of the course attendees will be issued with a Certificate of Completion.
