Two scientists have conducted a new assessment of a remote waterfall, indicating that the scarcely visited falls in the rugged boreal shield region of northern Manitoba may 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 height of Kwasitchewan Falls, located southwest of Thompson, which is widely recognized as Manitoba’s tallest waterfall.
Olson, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia specializing in photogrammetry, expressed confidence in the measurement, stating that the height estimation is accurate within a meter. Kapakaytay Falls was previously measured by the federal government, with its height listed as 58 feet on topographical maps, equivalent to approximately 17 meters. However, this information was not widely circulated, according to Martin, a Winnipeg native and ecology PhD student at the University of Oxford.
The falls are situated on the Odei River, about 40 kilometers northwest of Thompson and 690 kilometers north of Winnipeg. Martin described the waterfall as highly inaccessible due to its remote location. To reach the site, Martin and Olson embarked on a challenging 105-kilometer paddling expedition, requiring meticulous planning, whitewater expertise, and backcountry know-how.
After encountering various obstacles like rapids and logjams in the wildfire-affected forest along the river, the researchers, with assistance from local guides, finally reached Kapakaytay Falls. The awe-inspiring sight of the waterfall left them amazed, with Martin highlighting the sheer size and volume of water cascading over the rocks.
The researchers employed digital photogrammetry by capturing over 1,000 two-dimensional images with a drone to reconstruct and measure the waterfall accurately. They also conducted laser measurements of trees and natural features surrounding the falls to enhance their model. Their modeling work suggests that Kapakaytay Falls may be closer to 52 feet in height, compared to the previously considered tallest waterfall in Manitoba at 46 feet.
Pisew Falls, located southwest of Thompson, stands at 13 meters, while Kwasitchewan Falls, often regarded as the highest, measures 14 meters. The researchers’ initial findings indicate Kapakaytay at around 16 meters in height, an achievement that brings satisfaction to Olson.
In response to the researchers’ findings, the provincial government reiterated that Kwasitchewan Falls remains the tallest based on their data. However, it is unclear if Kapakaytay’s height has been formally documented in the province’s records. Olson and Martin are now focused on publishing their research, hoping that their documentation of the falls will contribute to future exploration and understanding of this remote natural wonder.