Multiple cases of stranded people in the backcountry of North Idaho last weekend prompted warnings from rescue agencies.

Vehicles became stuck in the snow near Fernan Saddle northeast of Coeur d'Alene and Burnt Cabin Saddle east of Hayden Lake. Motorists were stranded several hours, while a Coeur d'Alene teenage boy went missing into the night after he ventured out of bounds while skiing at Schweitzer Mountain near Sandpoint.

"The conditions are treacherous to regular vehicle travel due to the amount of recent snowfall," said Detective Dennis Stinebaugh of the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office. "We'd ask that people avoid the backcountry unless they are experienced in these conditions and are properly equipped."

With low temperatures expected to dip to near or below 0 this week, extreme backcountry caution will become even more critical, responders said.

STRANDED AT BURNT CABIN SADDLE

Deputies were called to the Burnt Cabin Saddle area early Saturday morning in regard to four people who became stranded with a stuck vehicle.

Due to poor cellphone reception, a lack of knowledge of the area and deteriorating weather conditions, they were stranded for nearly 12 hours before backcountry deputies and search personnel located them. When located, they were suffering from hypothermia and dehydration due to not being prepared for the conditions.

MISSING AT SCHWEITZER

During the Schweitzer incident, Bill Williamson, the resort's operations manager, said the teen was reported missing by friends mid-afternoon on Saturday. Searchers found his tracks around 8 p.m. and found him unharmed about a half hour later.

Williamson said it could easily have been a different story if the boy hadn't been found that night.

"His phone wasn't working and a team of snowmobilers and skiers went out and located his tracks and followed them down the mountain," Williamson said. "If you don't know where you are going, you can get into treacherous terrain and the temperatures were cold."

Williamson said cellphones and GPS technology have made it easier to find missing people, but this was a reminder they're not infallible.

"We don't recommend people go out of bounds, but we do have an open boundary," he said, adding that out-of-bounds warning signs are posted. "We allow it with hopes people will be prepared to go back there."

STUCK AT FERNAN SADDLE

Another vehicle became stuck in snow overnight near Fernan Saddle over the weekend.

"The occupants of this vehicle, by their own choice, spent the night in their car," Stinebaugh said.

Stinebaugh said even if the snow levels in the valleys are under a foot, some backcountry areas have 3 or 4 feet.

Kevin Davis, assistant director of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center, said this is the calm before the storm with avalanche danger in much of the region.

"The snow we've had is really light and unconsolidated and this cold weather will make it even more so," he said. "Avalanche hazard will ramp up when there is warmer weather and another snowfall. The snow that is there is not providing a very supportive base for the next snowfall event."

Davis said this winter's weather pattern is shaping up to be similar to last year, when there was an avalanche in the St. Regis Basin last January.

"Snowpack right now is like Corn Flakes — loose and brittle," he said. "The heavier snow will be like dropping bricks on that."

Stinebaugh said the Kootenai County Snow Groomers will likely install barricades at the end of this week, restricting motor vehicles in some backcountry areas to those specifically designed for travel on snow or ice. He said those on such roads will also need a groomer sticker.

Anyone operating an unauthorized vehicle on the backcountry roads or trails or those who haven't paid the groomer fee face a misdemeanor charge.

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Winter backcountry tips

• Be prepared with food, water, warm clothing and supplies to survive a night in the woods if you become stranded.

• Have a travel plan that includes letting someone know where you are going, which route you are taking, as well as when you plan to return.

• If you have snow chains, put them on before you head into the snowy backcountry.

• Do not exceed your vehicle’s limitations.

• It is still possible to become stuck with snow chains and four-wheel drive.

• If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle. Trying to walk out of the backcountry can decrease the ability of rescuers to locate you as well as increase hypothermic conditions.

• For more information on backcountry travel advice, call the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Recreation Safety Section at 446-2250.