Abstract: The risk early-warning index system closely relates with the specific characteristics of reservoirs.With regard to specific features of dams and the actual engineering conditions,the classification of risk early-warning indices of earth and rockfill dam,the selection condition and the establishment methods are discussed with reference to related rules and regulations.On such a basis,the main factors affecting the safety of earth and rockfill dams are analyzed considering statistical results of dam accidents,and the dam accident modes are divided into dam crest submersion,seepage damage,landslide and other damages.Thus the risk early-warning index system for earth and rockfill dams has been established and applied in actual projects.