As human engineering activities expanded into the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding areas, slope instabilities—particularly large-scale landslides—in deeply incised valleys have occurred with increasing frequency, posing severe threats to major infrastructure projects and public safety. This study evaluates how regional tectonic activity controls slope stability and outlines key challenges, insights, and strategic recommendations for slope engineering planning and construction in these deeply incised valleys.

Based on an overview of the tectonic activity characteristics across the Tibetan Plateau, the controlling influence of tectonic activity on slope stability was systematically analyzed. Problems encountered in slope engineering planning were identified, leading to practical engineering recommendations and strategic directions for future research.

Tectonic activity exhibits strong spatial consistency and temporal synchronicity with slope instability across the plateau. Tectonic processes provide the essential structural and geomorphic boundaries, material sources, dynamic conditions, and triggering factors for slope failures. Key challenges include the dominant control of regional tectonic stress on valley slope stability, the need to re-evaluate reverse slope stability in deeply incised valleys, and the required paradigm shift regarding the horizontal cover depth for mountain-adjacent underground works. Analysis suggests that slope engineering should prioritize south-, west-, and southwest-facing slopes while avoiding north-, northeast-, and east-facing slopes. Furthermore, the deep-seated stability of consequent slopes is superior to that of reverse slopes, and underground structures along mountain slopes should be situated within the unperturbed in-situ stress zone.

Future research must focus on quantitative investigations into: (1) the morphological characteristics and failure mechanisms of deeply incised valleys; (2) the evolution of in-situ stress fields under rapid tectonic uplift; and (3) the spatial distribution of in-situ stress fields across the plateau.

The findings provide critical theoretical guidelines and engineering references for slope design, infrastructure planning, and geohazard mitigation on the Tibetan Plateau.