Yes, spates is a Scrabble word!

Verb

1. Come down like raindrops

2. Become permanently attached

3. Strike with a sound like that of falling rain

4. Clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

5. Engage in a brief and petty quarrel

6. Spawn

7. Clap one's hands together

Noun

1. (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent

2. A sudden forceful flow

3. The occurrence of a water flow resulting from sudden rain or melting snow