Flood risk in Grasmere (Cumbria) may be considerably greater than short-term observations suggest, according to an award-winning student research project from Lancaster University.
Environmental science graduate Alex Waterer was presented with the British Hydrological Society (BHS) Student Award 2026 at the BHS2026 Symposium in Leeds on 3 September, for the best final year undergraduate dissertation in the UK on a hydrological subject.
The dissertation used a new modelling approach to extend short-term river level records to better estimate flood risk for Grasmere.
Data from a gauging station downstream in Ambleside were used to ‘hindcast’ river levels and discharge at Grasmere, extending flood records back from 2020 to 1981.
Speaking about the findings, Alex said: “The reconstructed record revealed that a reliance on short observational records can be misleading with regards to flood risk.
“By making better use of related hydrological data, we can reveal previously unseen patterns of flood risk to help in the design flood mitigation works, and support communities to better prepare for likely future floods.
“Recognition of the value of my research and its potential contribution to flood risk management nationally is a significant honour.”
Alex’s supervisor in the Lancaster Environment Centre, Dr Nick Chappell, said: “Alex has been an exemplary student and has a bright future helping others assess and reduce flood risk by applying and deepening his skills developed at Lancaster.”
Source: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/lancaster-studentwinsnational-award-for-flooding-research