Improving Low-Frequency Flood Estimation Using the Partial Duration Series Instead of the Annual Maximum Across the United States

Reliable flood forecasting is crucial for minimizing infrastructure damage and fatalities. Utilizing multiple independent peak flow observations throughout the year, rather than solely relying on the annual maximum, can enhance flood estimation accuracy. Some studies have incorporated the partial duration series (PDS) alongside the annual maximum flood (AMF) to better estimate floods across the United States. With wet years expected to become wetter, independent high flow events within wet years may surpass the AMF of dry years. Given that global climate warming can exacerbate flooding, integrating several independent peak flow observations with the AMF could address nonstationarity in flood analysis more effectively.