Abstract: The operation water level rising at the end of drawdown period is an effective way for reservoirs to increase power generation, reduce water abandonment, and enhance comprehensive benefits.However, the operation water level rising should scientifically coordinate the relationship between flood control and beneficial use.This article took the cascade reservoirs in the lower reaches of Jinsha River as the research object, based on the comprehensive analysis of flood characteristics in different river sections at the end of drawdown period, the flood control capacity requirements for different river sections were clarified, and the overall research route was proposed.According to the characteristics analysis of typical floods and operation strategies for cascade reservoirs, the conditions and manners for the operation water level rising at the end of drawdown period were proposed.Finally, the potential flood control risks were analyzed and the countermeasures were put forward.The results show that the cascade reservoirs can operate above the flood control limit level with a storage capacity of no more than 1.055 billion cubic meter, when the water level of the Lianhuatang station and the discharge after confluence of the four rivers of Dongting Lake meet certain conditions.Meanwhile, it′s recommended the storage capacity be preferentially allocated to the Xiluodu Reservoir, which can effectively improve the comprehensive benefits of the cascade reservoirs as well as to ensure flood control safety.