The National Weather Service Role in Flood Frequency and Risk Analysis

The National Weather Service does not have a direct role in studies concerning flood-flow frequency and risk analysis; however, it does take part in a number of areas that are of interest to such studies. NWS publications, as the primary source of probable maximum precipitation estimates and precipitation frequency studies in the United States, have long been recognized throughout the world. A brief summary of these subjects and NWS involvement in work groups assembled to resolve aspects of the flood frequency problem is presented here.