UPDATE â Sept. 1, 2026:Â Lost island in northern B.C. lake â that appeared then disappeared â located, says B.C. Hydro.
An unidentified massive new island has been spotted in the Williston Reservoir in northern British Columbia, catching the attention of B.C. Hydro and local residents. The island was first seen floating north of Mackenzie, with images and videos shared on social media, quickly going viral.
Rocky Avery, who received the images from a boater, highlighted the unusual sight, emphasizing the need to inform B.C. Hydro about its presence to avoid any potential issues.
Initially skeptical about the island’s existence due to concerns about online misinformation, Bob Gammer, a B.C. Hydro spokesperson, confirmed its reality after satellite imagery dated July 21 revealed its location in the reservoir.
The island, estimated to be 70 meters wide and 140 meters long, disappeared from satellite data by August 5, leading to speculation that it might have shifted to a different part of the reservoir.
First full reservoir in 14 years
The Williston Reservoir, one of the world’s largest, has reached full capacity for the first time in 14 years, necessitating controlled water releases through the dam’s spillways. The island’s formation is believed to be linked to rising water levels, causing driftwood accumulation and subsequent vegetation growth.
Avery noted the significant changes in shoreline landscapes caused by the high water levels, emphasizing the need for caution when navigating the lake.
Satellite data provided by B.C. Hydro shows the location and size of a floating island found in the Williston Lake reservoir in northern B.C., about 100 kilometers west of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam. (B.C. Hydro)
Phenomenon seen across the world
While uncommon in Williston Lake, floating islands are a known occurrence in dam construction. Instances of floating islands have been documented globally, with similar phenomena observed in other large water bodies.
- <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/bc-north"