Abstract: Frequent counter-regulation and difficulty in dealing with hydraulic connection have always been the key and difficult problems in the short-term optimal operation model of cascade reservoirs. In view of this problem, this paper proposes a short-term optimal operation model of cascade reservoirs based on the combined POA (gradual optimization)model. This model takes the gradual optimization method as the framework, and then combines the operation modes of each cascade reservoir to form a variety of cascade operation schemes. Finally, it is solved by POA by comparing the results of each scheme, the best operation scheme suitable for cascade reservoirs is selected, and the process optimization of cascade reservoirs is completed. The results of the model in the short-term joint operation of the Shuoqu River cascade reservoirs show that the model can quickly optimize the operation scheme of the cascade reservoirs in line with the hydraulic connection and taking into account the counter-regulation, and solve the problems of frequent counter-regulation and difficult handling of the hydraulic connection in the short-term joint optimal operation of the cascade reservoirs, and improve the utilization rate of water resources in the Shuoqu River basin.