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A large floating island appeared and vanished on British Columbia's Williston Reservoir before reappearing 30 kilometers away

A massive, tree-covered floating island appeared on the Williston Reservoir in northern British Columbia in late July. The landmass, which measured approximately 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, covered nearly 9,800 square meters. It was not previously recorded on any maps or navigation charts. Satellite imagery from July 21 confirmed the island was real, showing it floating west of Finlay Bay. By August 5, the island had seemingly vanished from its original location. It reappeared on August 15, resting against the shoreline more than 30 kilometers from its original position. Bob Gammer, a spokesperson for BC Hydro, stated that the island likely formed from driftwood and plants that accumulated along the shoreline over several years. High water levels, caused by a heavy winter snowpack and steady summer rainfall, allowed the mass to break loose and float into open water. Gammer noted that the island is currently resting against the shoreline and warned boaters that the surface is unstable and unsafe to walk on.

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