Two main seams composed of medium volatile, bituminous rank coal occur in the Jurassic-Cretaceous Mist Mountain Formation (Kootenay Group) interbedded with sandstone, siltstone and mudstone. Seam 5, the stratigraphically lowest, is approximately 4.2 metres thick and lacks significant rock partings. Seam 4, the upper seam, is split by a rock parting 1.8 to 5.2 metres, into an upper 3.6 to 5.9 metre seam and a lower 2.2 to 5.9 metre seam. The coals contain (dry basis) 9.4 to 9.7 per cent ash, 25.0 to 25.8 per cent volatile matter, 64.6 to 65.3 per cent fixed carbon and 0.48 to 0.58 per cent sulphur.

Estimated geological reserves are calculated to be 8 million tonnes (Coal Assessment Report 381).

The structure of the Cabin Creek coal deposit appears to be simple, consisting of a broad, gentle, north trending, north plunging syncline. Dips range from approximately 10 to 30 degrees. Minor disturbance of the coal seams occur in places, but there appears to be an absence of major thrust or normal faults.