Avista Begins Seasonal Drawdown of Spokane River Reservoir

Avista Initiates Annual Drawdown of Lake Spokane Reservoir

Avista Utilities has begun its planned annual reduction of water levels in the Lake Spokane reservoir, a recurring operation that raises the river's flow downstream. The utility company confirms this is a standard procedure conducted each autumn to facilitate maintenance and prepare for spring runoff.

Purpose and Impact of the Seasonal Reduction

The drawdown process, which typically lowers the reservoir by approximately seven feet, serves multiple purposes. It allows property owners along the shoreline to perform necessary dock maintenance and erosion control before winter. Furthermore, the action creates capacity within the reservoir to capture melting snow and precipitation in the coming spring, which is a critical component of regional flood risk management.

Residents and recreational users will notice a significant change in the waterfront landscape. Previously submerged banks will become exposed, and boat launch access may become limited or unusable as the water recedes. Officials advise the public to exercise increased caution near the shoreline, as newly exposed surfaces can be unstable and muddy.

Timeline and Downstream Effects

The gradual lowering of water levels started in early September and is expected to continue until the reservoir reaches its minimum target elevation, usually in late November. During this period, the flow rate in the Spokane River below the Long Lake Dam will see a noticeable increase.

Authorities emphasize that while the river will be swifter and colder, this elevated flow is managed and part of the planned operation. They urge anglers, kayakers, and anyone near the river to be aware of these changing conditions, which can present additional hazards. The reservoir is scheduled to begin refilling in March of the coming year.

BNN will continue to monitor this seasonal utility operation and provide relevant updates to the public.

What do you think?

• Should utilities be required to create permanent public recreation facilities to offset the months of lost lake access due to drawdowns?


• Is the ecological disruption caused by annual fill-and-drain cycles a fair trade-off for flood control and hydropower generation?


• With increasing climate volatility, are these managed drawdowns sufficient for flood prevention, or do communities need more drastic infrastructure changes?


• Should shoreline property owners bear more financial responsibility for stabilizing their banks, given they benefit directly from the maintained reservoir?