Two scientists have conducted a new assessment of a remote waterfall, indicating that the little-explored falls located 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 near Thompson, which is commonly believed to be Manitoba’s highest waterfall. Olson, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia specializing in photogrammetry, expressed confidence in the measurement accuracy, with a margin of error of one meter.
Although Kapakaytay Falls was previously measured by the federal government decades ago, the height of 58 feet (approximately 17 meters) listed on topographical maps was not widely disseminated, according to Martin, a Winnipeg resident and ecology PhD student at the University of Oxford. Given the lack of definitive height information, the researchers were motivated to determine if it indeed stands as Manitoba’s tallest waterfall.
Situated on the Odei River about 40 kilometers northwest of Thompson and 690 kilometers north of Winnipeg, Kapakaytay Falls poses significant accessibility challenges, as noted by Martin. The researchers embarked on a demanding paddling expedition in July, necessitating meticulous planning, whitewater proficiency, and wilderness experience to navigate the treacherous river terrain and reach the secluded waterfall hidden within fire-damaged forests.
With the assistance of local guides in the Thompson region, Olson and Martin completed a 105-kilometer round trip, encountering the awe-inspiring sight of Kapakaytay Falls after days of arduous paddling. The sheer magnitude and power of the waterfall left a lasting impression on the researchers, who described the experience as both breathtaking and physically demanding.
Inspired by a previous expedition, the researchers utilized over 1,000 two-dimensional images captured by a drone for digital photogrammetry to reconstruct and measure the waterfall. They also conducted laser measurements of surrounding trees and natural features to enhance their model accuracy. Contrary to the federal government’s initial measurement of 58 feet, the researchers’ modeling work suggests a height closer to 52 feet, potentially surpassing the known tallest waterfall in Manitoba, which stands at 46 feet.
While the province maintains that Kwasitchewan Falls holds the title of the highest waterfall, Olson and Martin are striving to publish their research findings. They aspire to contribute to ongoing research efforts at the site and emphasize the importance of documenting and exploring remote areas like Kapakaytay Falls.