Based on poroelastic media theory and Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria, a finite difference hillslope failure potential model adopting grid generation has been developed to study the tendency for hillslope failure in an infinitely extensive landscape with periodic topography. In this study, the proposed model is first applied to a hypothetical case and verified by analytic solutions. Then, the influences of Poisson's ratio, porosity, slope, overburden, and water ponding on failure potential have been examined. The results show that the effects of Possion's ratio and slope on failure potential are more significant than that of porosity. In addition, both the overburden and the water ponding greatly influence the failure potential.