Floating Island Appears Then Vanishes in British Columbia Reservoir

A mysterious, tree-covered island estimated to cover more than 105,000 square feet appeared in the Williston Reservoir in British Columbia, Canada, earlier this summer before vanishing from satellite tracking, prompting intrigue from local residents and officials. The floating landmass, roughly the size of two NFL football fields, was spotted by boaters north of Mackenzie and confirmed in satellite imagery captured on July 20 and July 21. By August 5, it had disappeared from view, leaving its current location unknown. The phenomenon drew attention after Rocky Avery, a local resident, received video and photographs from a boater and shared them on social media. Avery described the sight as "pretty amazing," noting he had never seen anything like it in his 40 years in the area. He wanted to alert B.C. Hydro and other boaters to the potential hazard. The reservoir, created behind the W.A.C. Bennett Dam in 1968, is one of the world's largest manmade lakes and reached its highest water level in 14 years this summer due to heavy winter snowpack and a rainy season. B.C.