Abstract:The quantitative research on the contribution rate and the future deposit potential of check dams in the Yanhe River Basin has important reference value for evaluating the construction benefits of check dams. Based on the runoff and sediment transport data of the Yanhe River Basin from 1952 to 2018 and the data of the construction period, control area, total storage capacity, and the sedimentation storage of the key check dams in the 2011 National Water Conservancy Census, the inverse calculation model for the sediment retention capacity of the key check dam was established. The annual sediment retention and sediment reduction contribution rate of the key check dams in the Yanhe River Basin were calculated, and the future sediment retention years of the key check dams was predicted. The results showed that the annual average sediment interception of the key check dams in the Yanhe River Basin continued to increase in different periods, and the average annual sediment interception from 2000 to 2011 was 4.01 million ton per year, which was the maximum value among the different periods. The human activity was the main factor for the decreased annual sediment transport in the Yanhe River Basin, and the contribution rates of the human activity to the sediment reduction in the Yanhe River Basin from 1997 to 2005 and 2006 to 2011 were 63.44% and 84.98%, respectively. The proportion of sediment reduction caused by the key check dams accounting for that caused by the human activities was decreased, from 24.67% of 1997-2005 to 7.46% of 2006-2011. By the end of 2019, the future sediment-retaining period of 62% of the key check dams in the Yanhe River Basin was less than 30 years. Compared with those in the southern region, the key check dams in the northern Yanhe River Basin has the stronger future sand-retaining ability. The results in this study could provide reference for soil erosion control and benefit evaluation, soil and water conservation measures planning and layout, and comprehensive management of the Yanhe River Basin.