Avista's annual slow drawdown to lower lake to winter level is occurring naturally


Sept. 8, 2014: Avista usually begins the fall drawdown of Coeur d'Alene Lake starting the Tuesday after Labor Day. The goal is to have the lake about a foot down (or elevation 2127.0) from summer level (elevation 2128.0) by the end of September. This year the lake is already approximately one foot and one inch below full pool. Because of the low snowpack and lack of rain this year, the lake has been gradually lowering over the summer even though Post Falls discharge has been maintained at minimum volumes. Avista does not plan to increase discharge at Post Falls until inflows into the lake increase. After the end of September, Avista will draw the lake down at the normal rate, approximately 1½ feet per month, until the lake reaches its winter level. At that time, lake levels are determined by natural inflows. Property owners and boaters should take measures to secure docks and boats for the winter season earlier than normal.

As part of Avista's FERC license to operate its Spokane River Hydroelectric Project, which includes Post Falls Dam, Avista is required to maintain the level of Coeur d'Alene Lake at or near the summer full-pool elevation of 2,128 feet from as early as practical in the spring until the Tuesday after Labor Day, while keeping a minimum discharge of at Post Falls Dam With the record-setting dry summer and low snow pack, Coeur d'Alene Lake elevation as of September 8 is 2126.92, which is 1 foot and 1 inch below normal maximum summer level.

Avista will continue with the required minimum discharge at Post Falls which may continue to slowly decrease the level of Coeur d' Alene Lake. The river users between Coeur d' Alene Lake and Post Falls Dam should be aware that water levels can fluctuate at any time depending upon weather and dam operations.

Customers can access waterflow information at avistautilities.com/waterflow or if you prefer the information is still available on the 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, commercial and recreational users of changes in the lake and river elevation levels that may affect plans for water use.


About Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 369,000 customers and natural gas to 329,000 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 1.6 million. Avista Utilities is an operating division ofAvista Corp . (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visitwww.avistautilities.com .

The Avista logo is a trademark of Avista Corporation.


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