Mysterious vanishing island reappears on British Columbia reservoir

A mysterious island that appeared and disappeared on a British Columbia reservoir has been found more than 18 miles away from where it was previously spotted.

The tree-covered island in the Williston Reservoir, north of MacKenzie, was spotted by residents and confirmed by utility company B.C. Hydro using satellite data from July 20.

Officials said the island had vanished from satellite imagery on  Aug. 5.

B.C. Hyro said on social media that the island has been located along the shoreline, in a position more than 18 miles from where it was originally seen.

B.C. Hydro spokesman Bob Gammer previously explained the island likely formed over the course of several years. He said driftwood can accumulate along the shore, and plants and trees can then take root in the decomposing wood, creating a landmass atop the water.

He said the island likely broke free from the shore due to the rising water levels in the reservoir.

B.C. Hydro warned visitors to the reservoir to keep a safe distance from the unstable island.

“It isn’t an island so much as a loose collection of logs and decaying woody debris. The surface is unstable and unsafe to land on or climb across. For your safety, please keep your distance,” the company said on social media. Upi.com

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