Tree-Covered Island Floats Into View, Then Vanishes From B.C. Reservoir

A tree-covered island estimated to measure roughly 105,000 square feet appeared in British Columbia’s Williston Reservoir earlier this month, then disappeared from satellite imagery within weeks. Local residents reported seeing the landmass in the reservoir north of MacKenzie. Bob Gammer, a spokesman for B.C. Hydro, initially questioned the reports, noting that photographs can be altered. The limited number of sightings also made the object difficult for officials to locate. Satellite imagery eventually confirmed that the island was present on July 20. According to Gammer, it was no longer visible in imagery collected by Aug. 5. “It's disappeared now,” Gammer told CBC News, while cautioning that the island may not have sunk. He said it could have moved back into a more sheltered area near the shoreline. Gammer suggested the floating landmass may have developed over several years. Driftwood can gather along the edge of the reservoir, he explained, allowing vegetation and trees to grow in the decomposing material and form a floating mass. Rising water levels may then have separated it from the shore. B.C. Hydro had not previously heard of such an occurrence in the reservoir, according to Gammer. The island’s current location was not reported.