Prognostic method for determining wind-generated waves in large water basins

<jats:p>A method is proposed for forecasting extreme wind speeds, which are used to calculate wind-generated waves in large water bodies (seas, lakes, reservoirs), utilizing statistical techniques and the Gumbel probability distribution. Ad-hoc computational programs (in MS Excel and Python) have been developed to process the initial data and obtain wind speeds by direction and return periods with subsequent determination of wave parameters, according to the national regulations. A sample calculation of wind waves in the “Ognyanovo” reservoir is presented, using modelled data from the Internet platform Meteoblue, as well as archival data from a local meteorological station of the State-Owned Enterprise “Management and Stewardship of Dams”, installed near the reservoir. The present paper will be of practical use for design engineers of hydrotechnical structures, students in the relevant specialty, and researchers of wave phenomena.</jats:p>