Abstract: This paper analyzes the effect of the joint-dispatching of cascade reservoirs on the upper reaches of the Yellow River from four aspects:power generation,flood control,ice prevention and irrigation dispatching,according to the characteristics of cascade hydropower stations on the upper reaches of the Yellow River,the practice of operation work and the characteristics of water use in different periods,and puts forward suggestions to improve the comprehensive utilization benefits of cascade hydropower stations on the upper reaches of the Yellow River. It is expected to be beneficial for the operation of various cascade hydropower stations.