Abstract: Characteristics differences of dam sections have a corresponding impact on the results of dam safety risk assessment.This paper took the Danjiangkou Reservoir Dam as an example to conduct safety risk assessment considering differences in characteristics of dam sections.The hierarchical structure model of risk assessment was constructed by dividing the evaluation units according to dam types and dam sections, and deeply analyzing possible risk events and risk factors.The analytic hierarchy process and expert scoring method with Delphi method as the core were used, relevant information on engineering construction and operation was referenced, and the differences in the characteristics of different dam sections were fully considered to determine the weight coefficients of the evaluation units.Based on the actual situation of the project, risk level evaluation standards including standards of risk likelihood and risk severity were developed.The risk values of each evaluation unit were calculated and integrated layer by layer.The result of risk assessment of the reservoir dam was obtained finally.The result showed that the risk values (5.91) and the risk level (Level Ⅱ) of the Danjiangkou Reservoir Dam were relatively low, and it belonged to the general risk.The method of risk assessment was help for further controlling risks, and could provide support for ensuring the safe operation of the project.