Lost island in northern B.C. lake - that appeared then disappeared - located, says B.C. Hydro
A large, forested island that mysteriously appeared and disappeared in British Columbia's Williston Reservoir has been located by B.C. Hydro. Officials believe the land mass broke off from the shoreline due to high water levels and was moved across the lake by wind.
Why it matters
The event highlights the environmental and physical dynamics of large man-made reservoirs and the impact of erosion and weather on local geography.
B.C. Hydro said Monday that the forested land mass, bigger than a Canadian football field, landed ashore after drifting some 30 kilometres northwest of its last known location in the middle of Williston Reservoir.
The island's curious appearance, and seemingly sudden disappearance in the massive man-made lake in northern B.C., has captured international attention and intrigue since boaters first made the discovery in August.
B.C. Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer said satellite imagery dated Aug. 15 shows the island resting in the north entrance of the Ospika Arm, where the Ospika River flows into the reservoir.
He said the island appears to be intact, and that it has moved even further away from the W.A.C. Bennett Dam connected to the reservoir.
"For it to disappear and now to reappear, that just creates a lot of excitement," Gammer said.
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