A plane-strain, incremental, initial-strain finite-element analysis, incorporating creep laws appropriate for the ranges of stresses and temperature involved, is used to simulate typical ice-slope flow problems. The flow of a uniform ice slope, assuming the mass is intact and no basal sliding occurs, shows that differences in steady-state velocities can be by orders of magnitude for various creep laws. A non-uniform ice slope and a uniform slope behind a concrete wall are also considered. Time-independent developments of tensile crack and basal shear are investigated by introducing joint elements with appropriate stiffness properties at ice−rock interfaces and tension zones. Then, the simulation model is modified to account for both time-dependent basal sliding (surging) and tensile crack development. In one case, basal shear failure is considered imminent if the shear strain in a thin basal ice layer, that allows wide variation in sliding velocity, exceeds a critical value. For the other case, the basal ice layer is replaced by joint elements and the progressive shear-stress failure mechanism during flow is demonstrated.