Continuous rainfall is an important factor inducing slope failure,and the causes of saturated-unsaturated slope failure under strong rainfall infiltration are diverse and complex.However,current research on the combined effects that induce slope failure is inadequate,particularly in relation to the increase in soil weight and softening of strength parameters after rainfall infiltration,both of which can impact slope stability.In this study,we establish a finite element model of a high slope following the Wenchuan earthquake in the condition of continuous rainfall.In the modeling process,the factors affecting slope stability caused by rainfall infiltration are considered,such as soil weight increase,penetration increase,and shear strength decrease.Furthermore,to analyze slop stability we employ a self-compiled calculation program,USLOPE-FEM,which is based on saturated-unsaturated seepage theory.Results show that the plastic strain zone of the slope is mainly distributed in the interface between the bottom of loosely accumulated materials and bedrock,and that the slope was close to a critical state of equilibrium before the rain.However,when the rainfall reached 20 mm/h,continuous infiltration increased the soil water content in the upper slope,the area of negative pressure disappeared,and a zone of saturated zone appeared.With continuation of rainfall,the transient saturated zone on the slope surface gradually developed towards the interior,causing a dramatic increase of in the weight and penetration of the slope soil,together with an evident decrease in shear strength.Furthermore,an integral increase of shear stress in the slope occurred and the plastic strain zone extended and interpenetrated gradually to the top of slope. After six hours of continuous rain,a local slump appeared on the surface of the free face,and after 36 hours the whole accumulation horizon gradually slumped along the bedrock and block river.Based on results of calculations and the above analysis,it is recommended that the slope is firstly improved and strengthened in relation to instability during continuous rainfall.It is considered that the results of this study can be used as a reference for evaluating slope safety under heavy rainfall.