An island is floating around a B.C. reservoir — and it keeps disappearing

A mysterious floating island of vegetation is baffling residents and researchers near British Columbia’s largest reservoir, Williston Reservoir. Spanning 70 metres in width and 140 metres in length, the island has perplexed authorities and scientists alike since its discovery in July. Initially reported via a Facebook post, satellite imagery confirmed its presence. However, the island vanished by August, leaving onlookers intrigued and puzzled.

B.C. Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer likened the tracking of the island to searching for a needle in a haystack, given its size, movement, and flimsy nature. The agency attributed the island's formation to decaying logs that intertwined with each other over time, tethering them through tree roots. The water level rise, which is at its highest in 14 years, effectively lifted the island off the land, providing it with the necessary conditions to float.

John Clague, an earth sciences professor from Simon Fraser University, likened the phenomenon to a fairytale, emphasizing that islands supporting forests typically remain anchored to the lakebed. He advised visitors to admire the island from a safe distance, discouraging any attempts to set foot on it. Rocky Avery, a local resident who shared a video of the island on social media, expressed amazement at the sight, noting that it was remarkable to witness.

The floating island, moving northward away from the W.A.C. Bennett Dam, the largest dam in British Columbia, is not deemed a threat to the dam by B.C. Hydro officials. Gammer confirmed that the island is unlikely to pose any problems even if it comes close to the dam. The structure, which likely harbors diverse species of fish, birds, trees, and small animals, resembles similar floating islands spotted in other lakes globally, such as the 100-year-old drifting island on Lake Chippewa in Wisconsin.