This paper deals with methods of obtaining master recession curves (MRC) of small mountain basins and of estimating the parameters of compound recession laws. MRC correspond to average recession conditions. They are derived by: (a) analysing all observed depletion curves; (b) adjusting their segments with a simple recession law; (c) grouping these segments according to their parameters; (d) characterizing these groups with the mean values of the recession parameters, and (e) representing the MRC by the sequence of these calculated recession segments. Utilizing a weighted least-squares method for solving nonlinear equations, the optimization of recession parameters includes: (a) computerized estimation of the initial set of parameters; (b) a procedure to check the parameter values, (c) use of particular techniques to improve calculation. A brief analysis of results shows that in 95% of the cases the variance of residuals was ≤ 1.0 1 s^-1.