Abstract: Southwest China has high mountains and deep valleys, and abundant hydropower resources.However, the excavation of dam abutments of hydropower stations is often affected by special topographic and geological conditions, ecological environment requirements and other factors, which has become one of the key problems restricting the construction of hydropower projects in Southwest China.In view of the challenges faced by the common open excavation method of dam abutment, the advantages and disadvantages of cave type excavation technology were expounded from many aspects.Based on the practical application experiences of existing projects, the key problems and corresponding countermeasures of cave type excavation technology in engineering application were analyzed.Finally, focusing on the great potential of hydropower development in alpine regions and the development demands of water conservancy and hydropower technology, the application prospect of cave type excavation technology and the inherent advantages of implementing dam abutment intelligent excavation in alpine regions are briefly analyzed.The research results can provide reference for promoting the development of dam construction technology and promoting the high-quality, safe, green and efficient development of hydropower.