[Objective] By constructing risk assessment model for dam break, the possibility of dam break was determined to provide technical support for check dam operation and management. [Methods] The risk assessment index system of check dam engineering was established through investigation and analysis of dam break risk problems. The weights of indexes were determined by analytic hierarchy process and the risk assessment model of dam break in Gansu Province was constructed. [Results] The model includes hydrological risk indexes (B₁), operation risk indexes (B₂), management risk indexes (B₃), and engineering risk indexes (B₄), a total of four risk types modules (with weights of 0.12, 0.13, 0.12, 0.63, respectively) and 16 specific evaluation indexes. Distance between water surface/mud surface and the height of dam(D₁), the available silting tank volume (D₄), the presence or absence of three management directors (D₇), and the dam deformation (D₁₂) are the maximum weight indexes of the four risk index modules. The scoring standard of each index was stipulated in the study, and the output risk level as well as early warning level were divided into 3 levels according to the comprehensive risk score. [Conclusion] The risk assessment model of check dam is composed of three modules: input, analysis, and output, which has clear hierarchy and structure. The construction of the assessment model can provide real-time warning data for risk assessment of check dam before rainfall events.