CONFIRMING STATEMENT

This Statement confirms that the undersigned
has authorized and designated C. TIM CASSELS
and R. BLAIR REYNOLDS, or either  of them,
to execute and file on behalf of the undersigned
all Forms 3, 4 and 5 (including any amendments
thereto) that the undersigned may be required to
file with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission as a result of the undersigned's
ownership of, or transactions in, securities of
AMERICANWEST BANCORPORATION.  Unless earlier
revoked by the undersigned in writing, the
authority granted pursuant to this Statement
shall continue until such time as the
undersigned is no longer required to file Forms
3, 4 or 5 with regard to securities of
AMERICANWEST BANCORPORATION.  The undersigned
understands and acknowledges that neither of
the authorized persons set forth above nor
AMERICANWEST BANCORPORATION is assuming any
responsibility of the undersigned to comply
with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.

Dated this 22nd day of December, 2004.

/s/Wade A. Griffith