Abstract: With a traditional method to calculate the stress and deformation of earth-rock dam, the contact effect between the dam and the bedrock is neglected, which is not consistent with the actual condition. The contact friction has a significant effect on the high dams located in the narrow and steep valleys. In this research, a high earth-core rockfill dam to be built in a narrow valley area is studied, the friction contact effect between the dam and the bedrock, water storage, wetting and rheology effect are all considered to simulate the dam body behaviors. Based on the deformation gradient method, the area where cracks may occur during the operation of the dam is predicted. Calculation results are used to evaluate the safety of the earth-core rockfill dam. It is found that the relative slip displacement between dam body and foundation is large for high earth-rock dams in narrow river valleies and should be considered. The conclusion of the study can provide technical basis for the design and construction of high earth-core rockfill dams located in canyon areas.