Abstract: Based on the saturated-unsaturated seepage theory and an extended Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, combined with the results of saturated and unsaturated triaxial tests, a typical loess slope in the southern tableland of Jingyang County has been adopted for this parametric study. Transient seepage due to water level rise is computed using the finite element method. The computed transient pore water pressures are then used for subsequent limit equilibrium analyses of the slope. The results demonstrate that both transient pore water pressure distribution and slope stability are affected by groundwater level rise. The method involving unsaturated seepage and suction strength is more coincident with the factual data.