In the summer of 2026, boaters on Williston Reservoir in northern British Columbia noticed something unusual: a tree-covered mass drifting on the water.
The video quickly spread on social media thanks to local resident Rocky Avery. Many initially doubted it—in the age of AI, fakes look convincing.
Doubts were dispelled by satellite imagery from the European Space Agency. On 21 July, the island was clearly visible west of Finlay Bay, about 100 kilometers from the W.A.C. Bennett Dam.
It was estimated to be about 70 meters wide and 140 meters long, with an area of nearly 9800 square meters. That's larger than a Canadian football field and almost equal to two NFL fields.
By 5 August, satellite images no longer showed the object in its previous location. BC Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer confirmed: "We don't see it anymore."
Gammer immediately noted that the disappearance does not necessarily mean the island sank. It could have simply moved into a more sheltered bay along the shore.
According to BC Hydro, such a floating "island" formed over years. Wood and debris accumulated near the shore, rotted, and trees managed to grow on this base.
This summer, the reservoir filled to its maximum for the first time in 14 years due to heavy mountain snow and summer rains. The high water level, according to Gammer, detached the mass from the shore, and wind carried it into open water.
The company is monitoring for a possible reappearance but does not expect serious consequences for the dam or operations. The high water has already washed away popular sand dunes and brought in more debris than usual.
Where could this drifting forested mass have headed next?
Later, there were reports of new sightings—including in the Ospika River and the eastern part of the reservoir. The exact location remains unknown.
