Avista Utilities Outage Map: December 2025 Power Updates for Washington, Idaho, and Oregon

Avista Utilities outage map updates remain essential for thousands of Northwest customers as winter storms bring widespread power disruptions this December. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and wind gusts have caused outages across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, prompting Avista crews to work around the clock to restore service. As of December 17, 2025, the company reports significant progress in returning power to affected communities.

Current Outage Overview

Avista’s outage map shows fewer than 5,000 customers still without electricity across its three-state service area as of Wednesday morning. Earlier in the week, that number exceeded 25,000 customers, making this one of the largest early-winter outage events of the season.

Power restoration has been steady as field teams repair damaged poles, remove fallen trees, and replace downed power lines. The company confirmed that most outages are weather-related, caused by ice accumulation and gusty winds.

Regions Still Experiencing Outages

Avista’s interactive outage tracking shows scattered interruptions throughout multiple counties. Areas with active repair work include:

• Spokane County, Washington: Small clusters remain in suburban neighborhoods north of the city. Estimated restoration is expected by 10 p.m. tonight.
• Kootenai County, Idaho: Outages persist near Hayden and Post Falls, where tree damage remains heavy. Crews are replacing transformers and conductors.
• Whitman County, Washington: Rural zones are being reconnected as line replacement continues along backroads.
• Southern Oregon: Minor outages near Medford and Grants Pass are linked to earlier wind damage.

Avista reports that all hospitals, emergency centers, and critical infrastructure are fully powered.

How to Use the Avista Utilities Outage Map

The outage map is a live, interactive resource that updates every few minutes as new information is entered by field crews. It provides customers with clear insight into current service conditions, estimated repair times, and weather-related hazards.

Main features include:

• Real-time outage locations with color-coded severity levels.
• Estimated restoration times that refresh throughout the day.
• Crew assignment details showing when teams are dispatched.
• Weather overlays highlighting storm-affected regions.
• Customer reporting tools that allow users to submit new outage reports directly.

Customers can view the map from computers or mobile devices and zoom into specific ZIP codes for localized updates.

Weather Impacts Leading to Outages

A powerful storm system hit the Inland Northwest beginning December 14, bringing snow, freezing rain, and sustained winds exceeding 40 mph. The combination of ice and wind caused extensive damage to above-ground utility lines and tree branches.

Heavier snow accumulations were recorded in elevated areas of northern Idaho and eastern Washington, where crews faced difficulty accessing rural roads due to snowdrifts and icy terrain. Despite those challenges, Avista field workers have restored power to the vast majority of customers within three days of the storm’s peak impact.

The company continues to remind customers that power restoration can take longer in remote areas where travel is restricted or where multiple lines require replacement.

Power Restoration Priorities

Avista Utilities follows a structured approach to prioritize power restoration efficiently and safely:

1. Critical services first: Hospitals, emergency dispatch centers, and public safety facilities receive priority restoration.
2. Main distribution circuits: Crews restore feeders and substations that serve large customer groups.
3. Neighborhood repairs: Smaller outages affecting several dozen homes are addressed next.
4. Individual service connections: The final phase focuses on individual homes or businesses.

This system ensures the largest number of customers regain service in the shortest amount of time while maintaining worker safety.

Safety Tips During Power Outages

Avista encourages customers to follow basic safety guidelines whenever power is lost:

• Avoid downed power lines. Always assume wires are live and dangerous.
• Use generators correctly. Operate them outside, away from windows and vents.
• Keep refrigerators closed. Food can stay cold for several hours if doors remain sealed.
• Unplug electronics. This prevents damage from power surges when electricity is restored.
• Use flashlights instead of candles. This minimizes the risk of fire.
• Stay informed. Check outage updates regularly using the Avista Utilities outage map or automated alerts.

Residents who rely on medical equipment should notify Avista immediately to be added to the priority service list in case of extended outages.

Technology Behind the Outage Map

Avista’s outage management system integrates data from field sensors, customer reports, and crew updates. Each outage entry is verified by technicians before being displayed on the public map.

The system relies on:

• Smart meters that automatically alert the control center when power is lost.
• Geospatial mapping technology that displays exact outage boundaries.
• Crew tracking tools that allow dispatchers to coordinate repairs efficiently.
• Automated notifications that update customers via text or email when new information becomes available.

This technology enables Avista to respond faster during large-scale weather events and provide accurate updates to the public.

Recent Infrastructure Upgrades

Avista Utilities has spent 2025 expanding and upgrading its electrical infrastructure to improve reliability. Major projects completed this year include:

• Installation of new composite poles designed to withstand high winds and ice.
• Underground line replacements in storm-prone corridors around Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.
• Substation modernization with smart-switching technology to reroute power automatically.
• Tree trimming initiatives covering more than 2,500 miles of distribution lines to prevent contact with vegetation.

These efforts have already reduced the duration and frequency of outages compared to previous winters, even during severe weather conditions.

Community and Crew Support

Throughout the outage recovery period, Avista has coordinated with local emergency management teams and community partners to provide temporary assistance.

Warming centers have opened in Spokane, Pullman, and Coeur d’Alene for residents still waiting for full restoration. Portable charging stations and water supplies have been distributed to rural neighborhoods with extended outages.

Field crews have been working long shifts in cold conditions, and Avista leadership has expressed appreciation for their commitment to restoring service safely.

Outage Statistics as of December 17, 2025

These figures will continue to update throughout the day as repairs progress and weather conditions stabilize.

How Customers Can Report Outages

Customers can use multiple channels to report new outages or hazards:

• Online outage reporting through the company’s digital portal.
• Automated phone system for quick outage logging.
• Text alerts for outage confirmations and status updates.
• Mobile app reporting with built-in location accuracy for faster crew deployment.

Each report is added to Avista’s database in real time, helping dispatchers prioritize locations with the greatest impact or safety risk.

Preparedness for Future Storms

Avista continues to remind customers of the importance of storm readiness as winter intensifies across the Northwest. A basic preparedness plan should include:

• A 72-hour emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, and flashlights.
• Fully charged backup batteries and portable phone chargers.
• Blankets and warm clothing in case of prolonged outages.
• Awareness of local warming shelters and emergency contact numbers.

The company also recommends clearing snow from around outdoor meters and vents to prevent equipment damage and ensure safe reconnection once service is restored.

Avista’s Long-Term Resiliency Strategy

Avista Utilities has outlined a long-term resiliency plan through 2030 focused on improving grid performance and minimizing storm-related outages. Future initiatives include:

• Smart grid expansion to automatically reroute electricity around damaged lines.
• Real-time predictive analytics to identify weak infrastructure before it fails.
• Increased use of underground wiring in high-risk corridors.
• Renewable integration to diversify the energy supply and reduce dependence on vulnerable transmission routes.

These upgrades aim to reduce outage frequency and provide customers with faster, more transparent updates during severe weather events.

Customer Engagement and Transparency

Throughout the outage response, Avista has emphasized open communication. The company updates its digital platforms regularly and posts detailed restoration summaries after major storms. Customers are encouraged to follow official updates and avoid unofficial outage maps or social media posts that may spread inaccurate information.

Transparency remains a cornerstone of Avista’s customer service approach, ensuring users can track progress directly from verified company systems.

Restoration Outlook

With fewer than 5,000 customers still without service as of this morning, Avista expects nearly complete restoration by the end of the day. Crews will remain on standby through the weekend to respond to any additional weather-related outages as temperatures drop again.

Customers can continue using the Avista Utilities outage map for real-time updates and safety alerts. The company has pledged to keep crews deployed until every affected home and business has power restored.

Avista Utilities outage map continues to be the Northwest’s most reliable resource for real-time storm recovery updates, helping residents track progress and stay safe as crews work to bring every light back on this winter.