Abstract: The micro deformation of reservoir basin and bank slope induced by impoundment of high dam in canyon area mostly refers to the non-unstable deformation caused by the adjustment of mountain stress, which is generally several centimeters to tens of centimeters. In other researches, it is also called valley deformation(horizontal direction), reservoir basin deformation(vertical direction), etc. At present, monitoring and analysis have only been carried out in a few super high dam projects in China, such as Jinping I, Xiaowan, Xiluodu, etc. The proposed mechanisms and quantitative analyses are incomplete and unsystematically. The deformation law obtained from different engineering monitoring data is different, so it is difficult to explain the deformation mechanism by single theory. In particular, due to the lack of engineering experience and the lack of corresponding technical standards in the design, the long-term impact of bank slope micro deformation caused by high dam impoundment on dam is unknown. Therefore, this paper summarized the relevant research, discussed the possible mechanism of micro deformation of reservoir basin and bank slope, and finally prospected the research in future.