Several strong earthquakes proved that the concrete face rockfill dam (CFRD) has nicer aseismic behavior; but its dynamic response is still concerned

especially when the dam height comes in the level of 300 m and it is built on complicated valley terrain conditions

etc. Analyzes the dynamic response of CFRD under complicated topographic condition (the shape of valley is irregular W) by using the equivalent viscoelastic model. It is concluded that the dynamic response of CFRD under complicated topographic condition is more complex than under a single topographic condition

but the rules are same. The strongest dynamic response acceleration locates on dam’s crest of the largest section

the biggest earthquake’s settlement is about 0.30% of the dam height. Because of the ancient river terraces on the right bank and vertical slope on the left bank

axial and consequent dynamic acceleration magnification on the right bank are greater than on the left bank; but the vertical dynamic acceleration magnification is contrary. There is an obvious displacement area near the ancient river terraces. Under the influence of seism and terrain conditions

the larger net tensile stress appears on the upper panel to the left bank

which may lead to panel cracking damage. According to the results

the failure forms of high CFRD mainly include the downstream dam slope instability

panel cracking and excessive settlement. Finally

some viable aseismic measures are discussed.