Effects of different initial conditions of pore water pressure distribution on slope stability are investigated based on rainfall data in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. A method to incorporate the initial condition of pore water pressure distribution into the slope stability analysis is suggested. Then, sandy and clayey slopes are taken as examples to investigate the effect of antecedent rainfall on slope stability. Results indicate that the influence of antecedent rainfall on the slope stability increases as the saturated permeability coefficient of the soil decreases.