Avista Utilities outage map updates have become a vital resource for customers across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon this December as winter storms and high winds continue to affect the power grid. Thousands of residents in the Inland Northwest rely on the company’s real-time outage map to track current power interruptions, estimated restoration times, and safety alerts. As of December 17, 2025, Avista Utilities crews are working across multiple regions to restore power safely and efficiently following recent weather impacts.
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Current Power Outage Overview
As of Wednesday morning, Avista’s outage map shows scattered outages across eastern Washington and northern Idaho, with smaller clusters reported in southern Oregon. The majority of active outages stem from winter storm activity that brought heavy snow, ice accumulation, and gusty winds earlier this week.
The company reported fewer than 5,000 customers still without electricity as of 9:00 a.m. local time, a sharp improvement from Monday’s peak when more than 25,000 customers were affected. Restoration work has been progressing steadily as crews continue replacing damaged lines and transformers impacted by falling trees and icy conditions.
Areas Currently Affected
Based on the latest update from Avista’s outage management system, the following regions are still experiencing service disruptions:
- Spokane County, Washington: Minor outages in the north and west areas, with estimated restoration times before 10 p.m. tonight.
- Kootenai County, Idaho: Affected zones near Post Falls and Hayden still experiencing partial power loss, restoration expected by late evening.
- Whitman County, Washington: Rural areas continue to report outages due to damaged overhead lines.
- Medford, Oregon region: Isolated outages persist after earlier storm-related equipment issues.
Avista has confirmed that all critical infrastructure—including hospitals, emergency centers, and water facilities—has maintained or regained power priority through coordinated restoration efforts.
How the Avista Utilities Outage Map Works
The Avista outage map is an interactive tool that updates automatically as crews report progress from the field. It displays outage clusters using color-coded regions that indicate both the size and severity of each incident.
Key features include:
- Real-time outage tracking by ZIP code or city.
- Estimated restoration times updated throughout the day.
- Crew assignment details, showing when workers are dispatched.
- Weather overlays, providing visual context for ongoing conditions.
- Customer reporting tools, allowing users to notify the company of new outages.
The map refreshes every few minutes to reflect changing conditions as repairs are completed or new outages occur due to weather events.
Recent Winter Weather Impacts
This week’s outages follow a round of strong storms that swept across the Pacific Northwest beginning December 14. Heavy snow accumulation and freezing rain created hazardous conditions for both customers and utility workers.
Wind gusts exceeding 40 mph knocked down tree branches onto transmission lines in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Lewiston, triggering automatic shutdowns on parts of the network. Crews have worked continuously through the week to repair damaged lines while navigating icy terrain and limited access roads.
Avista Utilities emphasized that safety remains the top priority. Crews are required to clear each downed line carefully and inspect for secondary hazards such as live wires or unstable poles before reconnecting power.
Restoration Progress
Avista’s power restoration process follows a clear prioritization structure to bring service back as efficiently as possible:
- Emergency and critical facilities such as hospitals and fire stations are restored first.
- Main transmission lines and substations serving large areas are repaired next.
- Neighborhood distribution lines and smaller transformers follow.
- Individual service connections are restored last once network stability is confirmed.
As of December 17, more than 90 percent of customers affected by the initial storm have had their service restored. The remaining outages are primarily in heavily wooded or rural regions where crews must manually replace poles and restring conductors.
Safety Reminders for Customers
Avista urges residents to prioritize safety during power outages and restoration work. Customers should never approach downed power lines and are encouraged to report hazards immediately through the company’s emergency contact center.
Additional safety tips include:
- Stay away from damaged trees or utility equipment. Downed wires may remain energized even if they appear inactive.
- Use generators properly. Operate them outdoors and away from open windows to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Food remains safe for several hours if doors remain shut.
- Use battery-powered flashlights instead of candles. This reduces the risk of fire during extended outages.
- Charge mobile devices when power returns temporarily. Keep backup batteries ready in case of further interruptions.
Customers who rely on electricity for medical devices are advised to contact Avista for priority restoration registration or to arrange temporary assistance.
Customer Communication Tools
The Avista Utilities outage map serves as the primary public reference for real-time outage information. Customers can also sign up for automated outage alerts that deliver text or email updates about estimated restoration times.
Other communication options include:
- Avista mobile app: Provides push notifications and direct reporting.
- Interactive voice system: Allows outage reporting via phone without waiting on hold.
- Social media updates: Offer broad regional overviews during severe weather events.
These channels enable customers to stay informed while freeing up customer service lines for emergency calls and high-priority reports.
Infrastructure Improvements and Upgrades
In 2025, Avista Utilities has continued major investments in strengthening its grid to withstand increasingly severe weather events. Projects include:
- Upgrading power poles with weather-resistant composite materials.
- Expanding underground line installations in high-risk corridors prone to tree damage.
- Modernizing substations with smart-grid technology to allow automated rerouting of electricity during outages.
- Tree trimming and vegetation management around 2,500 miles of distribution lines annually.
These improvements have helped reduce outage duration and increase restoration speed compared to prior years.
Storm Recovery by the Numbers
The latest restoration statistics provided by Avista demonstrate significant progress:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Peak Outages (Dec 15) | 25,400 customers |
| Current Outages (Dec 17, 9 a.m.) | 4,700 customers |
| Crews Deployed | 80+ field teams across 3 states |
| Estimated Full Restoration | By late December 17 |
| Damaged Poles Replaced | Over 120 |
| Miles of Line Repaired | 310+ miles |
These numbers highlight both the storm’s intensity and the scale of Avista’s response in restoring power across its service territory.
Supporting Affected Communities
Beyond line repairs, Avista Utilities has coordinated with local governments, Red Cross chapters, and emergency shelters to ensure residents have access to warmth and resources while repairs continue.
Temporary warming centers have been opened in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene for those affected by extended outages. The company has also distributed portable charging stations and bottled water to rural communities most impacted by infrastructure damage.
Avista representatives have thanked customers for their patience and acknowledged the efforts of hundreds of field workers who have spent long hours in cold, challenging conditions to restore power safely.
Using the Avista Outage Map During Emergencies
Customers can maximize the benefits of the Avista outage map by following these best practices:
- Check the map before calling. It provides live updates and estimated repair times.
- Zoom in by location. Enter your address or ZIP code for the most accurate data.
- Enable notifications. Receive updates automatically when your area’s status changes.
- Refresh regularly. The map updates in real time as crews progress through repairs.
The map’s interface also displays a restoration percentage tracker, offering customers an at-a-glance view of system recovery throughout major weather events.
Energy Reliability Beyond 2025
Avista continues investing in technologies designed to strengthen reliability and enhance customer communication. Its long-term modernization strategy includes:
- Smart meters capable of detecting outages within seconds.
- Automated switching systems that reroute electricity around damaged sections.
- Expanded grid monitoring to forecast weak points before storms strike.
- Customer analytics that help prioritize high-impact areas for infrastructure upgrades.
These innovations position Avista to deliver faster recovery times and improve transparency through detailed digital tools such as the outage map.
Customer Support and Restoration Updates
For those still without service as of December 17, Avista assures full restoration remains on track for completion by late evening. Crews continue inspecting isolated outages where conditions may have slowed repairs.
The company’s customer service remains available 24 hours a day for urgent concerns and hazard reports. Customers experiencing new outages are encouraged to use the online reporting system, which connects directly with Avista’s grid management database to speed dispatch.
Avista Utilities outage map remains the most reliable way for customers to monitor restoration progress, track weather-related disruptions, and stay informed as the company works to keep the Northwest powered and safe this winter.