Two scientists have conducted a new assessment of a remote waterfall, indicating that the scarcely-visited falls in the rugged boreal shield of northern Manitoba could be the tallest in the province. Alexander Martin and Lukas Olson utilized digital photogrammetry to measure Kapakaytay Falls on the Odei River. Their initial findings suggest a height of 16 meters, slightly surpassing the 14-meter Kwasitchewan Falls, which is commonly regarded as Manitoba’s tallest waterfall. Olson, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia, expressed confidence in this measurement, with a margin of error of one meter.
Kapakaytay Falls was previously measured by the federal government decades ago. The height listed on topographical maps is 58 feet, approximately 17 meters, though this information has not been widely shared. Martin, a Winnipeg resident and Ph.D. student in ecology at the University of Oxford, highlighted the lack of widespread awareness regarding the falls’ height, prompting their investigation into its potential status as Manitoba’s tallest waterfall.
Located on the Odei River, around 40 kilometers northwest of Thompson, Manitoba, and 690 kilometers north of Winnipeg, Kapakaytay Falls is considered highly inaccessible due to its remote location. Martin and Olson embarked on a challenging paddling expedition in July, navigating through wildfire-damaged forests and challenging river terrain, including rapids and logjams.
The researchers were supported by local guides from the Thompson area during their 105-kilometer journey to and from the falls. Upon reaching the site, they were captivated by the sheer size and volume of water flowing over the rocks. The expedition was inspired by a previous trip led by Winnipegger Garrett Fache in June 2019, who ventured to explore the waterfall.
Using over 1,000 two-dimensional images captured by a drone, Olson and Martin employed digital photogrammetry to reconstruct and measure the waterfall. Laser measurements of surrounding trees and natural features were also incorporated into their model. Their modeling work indicated a height closer to 52 feet for Kapakaytay Falls, in contrast to the 46-foot height of the waterfall previously considered Manitoba’s tallest, Kwasitchewan Falls.
Pisew Falls, located southwest of Thompson, stands at 13 meters, while Kwasitchewan Falls measures 14 meters. The researchers’ preliminary findings estimate Kapakaytay Falls at approximately 16 meters. Olson expressed fulfillment in documenting this remote site, emphasizing the joy of contributing to the exploration and preservation of such lesser-known natural wonders.
In response to the researchers’ findings, the province stated that their data confirms Kwasitchewan Falls as the highest waterfall in Manitoba. However, it remains unclear if Kapakaytay Falls’ height has been previously recorded in provincial data. Olson and Martin are currently working towards publishing their research, aiming to facilitate further exploration and documentation of the falls for future studies.