A small, forested island that appeared on a Canadian reservoir has been found near the shoreline after it previously disappeared from satellite views, officials confirmed. The island was first observed by boaters in early August on Williston Reservoir in British Columbia, Canada's largest freshwater lake.
A satellite image from late July documented the island, which is approximately the size of one-and-a-half American football fields. However, a few weeks later, it was no longer visible in that location, sparking global intrigue and speculation.
Bob Gammer, a spokesperson for BC Hydro, the provincial utility managing the reservoir, stated that officials have now located the island near the shore. He noted that a new satellite image and eyewitness accounts from pilots have confirmed its reappearance. The island is now situated about 30 kilometers from its initial sighting.
Gammer mentioned that BC Hydro estimates the island to be about 9,800 square meters, or one hectare. The exact origin of the island is still under investigation, but a leading theory suggests it formed over years from accumulated driftwood. This debris likely provided a base for plants and trees to grow, eventually forming a cohesive landmass. Gammer believes the island broke off from the reservoir's shoreline this summer when water levels rose to their highest point since 2012.
Floating islands, also known as "mats" or "bog islands," are not unique. One example is the Forty Acre Bog on Wisconsin's Lake Chippewa, which is believed to be a peat bog that detached from the lakebed and floated to the surface. These formations can support diverse wildlife.
Despite its reappearance, officials caution that the island is not a stable structure. Gammer advised against attempting to land on it, warning that it could break apart. The island is in a remote area, and most people are unlikely to encounter it.