HEC-HMS Resources
Live Training
Join WEST Consultants’ Michael Gerlach for a comprehensive, 8-part HEC-HMS master class commencing in July 2026:
Use coupon code “Hydroschool-HMS25” at checkout to receive a 25% discount on the HEC-HMS masterclass!
Agenda
Session 1: Data Preparation & Basin Model Development
- Introduction.
- Theory: Program settings and preparing data for use in HEC-HMS.
- Workshop: Creating a basin model and linking to terrain.
- Theory: Understanding transform, loss, and routing methods.
- Workshop: Delineating catchment areas and flow paths.
Session 2: Meteorological Components & Control Specifications
- Theory: Intensity-Frequency-Duration data.
- Workshop: Create a basic meteorological model with a frequency storm.
- Theory: Assigning control specifications.
- Workshop: Run model and view results.
Session 3: HEC-HMS Sensitivities & Troubleshooting
- Theory: Spotting errors and instabilities.
- Workshop: Adjusting basic loss, transform, and routing parameters.
- Workshop: Set up and run sensitivity cases.
Session 4: Advanced Loss Methods
- Theory: Common rainfall loss methods.
- Theory: Gridded Methods.
- Workshop: Working with gridded data.
Session 5: Advanced Transform Methods
- Theory: Common runoff transformation methods.
- Workshop: Implementing the Clark unit hydrograph method and understanding parameter sensitivity.
Session 6: Advanced Routing Methods
- Theory: Common hydrologic routing methods.
- Workshop: Using the Muskingum-Cunge routing method and addressing common issues.
Session 7: Calibration & Optimisation
- Theory: Calibration approaches and implementation methods.
- Workshop: Basic calibration and review of statistical reports.
Session 8: HEC-DSS, Gridded Rainfall & Storm Injector
- Theory: HEC-DSS, gridded rainfall, and Storm Injector software.
- Workshop: Import gridded data and run Storm Injector.
- Theory: 2D diffusion wave routing.
- Workshop: Apply 2D routing.
Tutorials
View our 4-part video series “HEC-HMS for HEC-RAS Users“. This free video series, hosted on the RAS Solution YouTube channel, guides viewers through a basic model setup comparing the results of rainfall-runoff modelling in HEC-HMS to rain-on-grid modelling in HEC-RAS.
Webinars
The HEC-HMS development team joined us for two free webinars covering advances in HEC-HMS
Modelling with HEC-HMS Part I introduces GIS tools for delineations
Modelling with HEC-HMS Part II introduces gridding and discretisation
Following are some additional resources to support the material presented in the webinars:
View the presentation slides as a pdf here:
Here are the pdf slides of the presentation about Australian HEC-HMS integration:
Here is a demo of the Storm Injector software, integrating Australian Rainfall and Runoff precipitation results into HEC-HMS:
Additional links and resources
Additional links:
HEC-HMS webpage: https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-hms/
HEC-HMS download: https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-hms/downloads.aspx
HEC-HMS documentation: https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/confluence/display/HMSDOCS/HEC-HMS+Documentation
HEC-HMS Tutorials and Guides: https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/confluence/hmsdocs/hmsguides
HEC-HMS Interface Translation Guide: https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-hms/documentation/HEC-HMS_Interface_Translation_Guide.pdf
Additional webinars by the HEC-HMS development team:
Feb 2021 HEC-HMS webinar with a walk-through of gridding and discretisation:
May 2021 HEC-HMS webinar: demonstrating new GIS features and automatic forecasting utilities:
POp quiz
And just for fun, here is a bit of the background around HEC and the Corps of Engineers as addressed in the online polls during our webinars:
The HEC offices are located on the second floor of a shop in Davis, California. Pop quiz Question #1: Are the HEC offices located above:
a) Cookie Shop
b) Shavery
c) Kava bar
d) Wine bar
Other nearby choices include a smoke shop, sushi shop, Bizarro World, Ho Ho Market, and lots of pizza and coffee but the answer is all of the above. Here is a map for the key:
Pop Quiz Question #2: Which is oldest?
a) Australia
b) United States
c) Corps of Engineers
Answer:
c) The “Corps” of Engineers comprised a chief engineer and two assistants who were appointed by George Washington when the Continental Congress organised an army on 16 June 1775, with the first task being the construction of the Bunker Hill fortifications. More from Wikipedia: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Pop Quiz Question #3: What are these kayakers doing?
a) looking for the remains of Greased Lightning
b) bathymetric surveying
c) publicity stunt questioning the definition of “navigable waterways”
Read more about the controversial expedition here.
If you would like additional background on HEC, including a chronology, list of software packages, and comparisons to the FHWA HEC (Hydraulic Engineering Circular) publications see our article HEC vs HEC.
Please contact us with comments or questions.