Avista to begin Lake Spokane drawdown

SPOKANE, Wash. - February 13, 2026: Avista plans to start the draw down of Lake Spokane (reservoir created by Long Lake Dam) the week of Feb. 16, 2026, depending on precipitation levels and river flows. Operators expect to lower the reservoir up to one foot per day. Avista will attempt to keep the lake drawn down to a maximum of 13-14 feet below summer elevation for a duration of three to six weeks, depending upon flows and the weather.

Under the right weather conditions, including sustained periods of single-digit temperatures and little or no snow on the exposed lakebed, the drawdown is expected to help control Eurasian watermilfoil and other invasive aquatic weeds in Lake Spokane. The drawdown also allows shoreline homeowners to complete federal, state and locally-permitted repair and construction projects along the lake shoreline.

Property owners and lake users are reminded to make necessary preparations, including removing boats from the water and removing or securing docks and boathouses to accommodate shifting ice and low-water conditions. Floating and removable docks are less susceptible to damage from shifting or changing ice levels.

Please note and be aware, as with all winter drawdowns, water levels are subject to change due to a variety of factors including weather (rain on snow events in the upper drainages) and/or maintenance at Long Lake Dam. Lake users should always be alert to signs of such changes and exercise the highest level of personal caution and safety.

Customers can access water flow information at myavista.com/waterflow or on our 24-hour telephone information line. You will find notification of anticipated elevation changes on Lake Spokane, the Spokane River, and Coeur d'Alene Lake. In Washington, call (509) 495-8043, and in Idaho, call (208) 769-1357. The recorded information is provided to advise shoreline property owners and commercial and recreational users of changes in the lake elevations and river flows that may affect water-use plans.

About Avista Corp.

Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 422,000 customers and natural gas to 383,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit https://www.myavista.com.

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Contact:Media: Jared Webley (509) 495-7618, [email protected] 24/7 Media Access (509) 495-4174