A mysterious newly formed island in British Columbia’s Williston Reservoir has been located after drifting approximately 30 kilometres from its previous position.
B.C. Hydro said the forest-covered landmass, which is larger than a Canadian football field, has moved toward the shore in the northern section of the reservoir. Its unexpected appearance and later disappearance had attracted considerable attention after boaters first spotted it in August.
According to B.C. Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer, satellite images taken on August 15 showed the island near the northern entrance of the Ospika Arm, close to where the Ospika River enters the reservoir.
The satellite imagery indicates that the island remains largely intact and has travelled farther from the W.A.C. Bennett Dam. Officials said they were relieved to locate it and noted that it is currently not creating any problems.
The exact origin of the island remains unknown. However, B.C. Hydro believes that exceptionally high water levels may have caused a section of the reservoir’s shoreline to break away and form the floating landmass.
Officials believe strong winds, rather than the reservoir’s slow-moving current, pushed the island across the lake during the past month. Gammer explained that the water generally moves slowly eastward toward the dam, meaning wind is the main force responsible for the island’s movement.
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