Abstract: According to the data of dam failures of the small-sized reservoirs between 1980 and 2006,the statistics are made by use of the historical periods,dam types,dam heights,destructive positions,dam-failure reasons,the months of failure time and the regions,then the reasons and laws of dam failures are analyzed.At present,the number and the ratio of dam failures are very low due to the great improvement in dam safety management of small-sized reservoirs by implementation of relative laws and regulations and standards as well as the rehabilitation construction of endangered reservoirs.Experience is summarized from the statistics and typical cases.Considering different reasons of dam failures,such as inadequate spillway capacity or jammed spillways,poor engineering quality,seepage in the connection of new dams and old dams,improper management,etc.,countermeasures for the dam safety of small-sized reservoirs are studied.