Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2594
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2594
22 Aug 2024
 | 22 Aug 2024

Statistical estimation of probable maximum precipitation

Anne Martin, Elyse Fournier, and Jonathan Jalbert

Abstract. Civil engineers design infrastructures exposed to hydrometeorological hazards, such as hydroelectric dams, using the estimation of probable maximum precipitation (PMP). The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) defines PMP as the maximum amount of water that can physically accumulate over a given time period and region, depending on the season and without considering long-term climate trends. Current methods for calculating PMP have many flaws: some variables used are not directly observable and require a series of approximations to be used; uncertainty is not always taken into account and can sometimes be complex to determine; climate change, which exacerbates extreme precipitation events, is difficult to incorporate into the calculations and subjective choices increases estimation variability. The goal of this work is to propose a statistical and objective method for estimating PMP that meets the WMO definition and allows for uncertainty estimation and climate change incorporation. This novel approach leverages the Pearson Type I distribution, a generalization of the Beta distribution over an arbitrary interval. The proposed method is applied to estimate the PMP at two meteorological stations in Québec, Canada.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

30 Sep 2025
Statistical estimation of probable maximum precipitation
Anne Martin, Élyse Fournier, and Jonathan Jalbert
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 4811–4824, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4811-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4811-2025, 2025
Short summary
Anne Martin, Elyse Fournier, and Jonathan Jalbert

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2594', Anonymous Referee #1, 20 Sep 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2594', Anonymous Referee #2, 18 Nov 2024
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2594', Anonymous Referee #3, 19 Nov 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2594', Anonymous Referee #1, 20 Sep 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2594', Anonymous Referee #2, 18 Nov 2024
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2594', Anonymous Referee #3, 19 Nov 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (further review by editor and referees) (05 Jan 2025) by Nadav Peleg
AR by Jonathan Jalbert on behalf of the Authors (16 Feb 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (20 Feb 2025) by Nadav Peleg
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (03 Mar 2025)
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (26 Mar 2025)
ED: Publish subject to revisions (further review by editor and referees) (29 Mar 2025) by Nadav Peleg
AR by Jonathan Jalbert on behalf of the Authors (29 May 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (03 Jun 2025) by Nadav Peleg
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (04 Jul 2025)
ED: Publish as is (07 Jul 2025) by Nadav Peleg
AR by Jonathan Jalbert on behalf of the Authors (08 Jul 2025)

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

30 Sep 2025
Statistical estimation of probable maximum precipitation
Anne Martin, Élyse Fournier, and Jonathan Jalbert
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 4811–4824, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4811-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4811-2025, 2025
Short summary
Anne Martin, Elyse Fournier, and Jonathan Jalbert
Anne Martin, Elyse Fournier, and Jonathan Jalbert

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Short summary
This paper introduces a statistical method to estimate probable maximum precipitation (PMP), addressing flaws in current approaches. The method accounts for uncertainty and incorporates climate change impacts, using the Pearson Type I distribution. Tested at two meteorological stations in Québec, it offers an objective solution for more reliable PMP estimates, crucial for infrastructure like dams exposed to extreme weather.
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