Two scientists have conducted a fresh assessment of a remote waterfall, indicating that the lesser-known falls in the rugged boreal shield 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 propose a height of 16 meters for the falls, slightly surpassing the 14-meter height of Kwasitchewan Falls, located southwest of Thompson, which is widely regarded as Manitoba’s highest waterfall.
Olson, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia specializing in photogrammetry, expressed confidence in the measurement, noting a potential margin of error of one meter. Although Kapakaytay Falls was previously measured by the federal government, the height, listed at 58 feet or approximately 17 meters on topographical maps, had not been widely shared, according to Martin, a Winnipegger and ecology PhD student at the University of Oxford.
The researchers embarked on a challenging expedition to measure the falls, situated on the Odei River about 40 kilometers northwest of Thompson, Manitoba, and 690 kilometers north of Winnipeg. Accessing the remote waterfall required meticulous planning, whitewater expertise, and wilderness experience, as the falls are nestled deep within fire-damaged forests, amid treacherous river conditions including rapids and logjams.
Olson and Martin’s journey, spanning 105 kilometers round trip, was made possible with the assistance of local guides from the Thompson area. Their awe-inspiring experience culminated in the sighting of the waterfall after days of demanding paddling, with Martin describing the sheer size and water flow as breathtaking. Olson emphasized the relief of reaching the site after enduring physical challenges throughout the expedition.
The inspiration for the expedition stemmed from a previous trip undertaken by Winnipegger Garrett Fache in June 2019. Fache, now the owner of Wild Loon Adventure Company, believed Kapakaytay Falls to be Manitoba’s tallest waterfall after analyzing topographic maps and visiting the site with fellow paddlers.
Using over 1,000 two-dimensional images captured with a drone, as well as laser measurements of surrounding trees and natural elements, Olson and Martin employed digital photogrammetry to reconstruct and measure the waterfall. Their modeling work suggested a potential height adjustment from the originally measured 58 feet to approximately 52 feet, positioning Kapakaytay Falls as a strong contender for Manitoba’s tallest waterfall, surpassing Pisew Falls at 13 meters and Kwasitchewan Falls at 14 meters.
While the province maintains that Kwasitchewan Falls remains the highest based on their data, the exact height of Kapakaytay Falls in provincial records remains unclear. Olson and Martin are currently preparing to publish their research and hope that their documentation will aid future research on the site. Martin expressed satisfaction in being able to document this remote location, emphasizing that despite modern mapping technologies, there are still unexplored opportunities for discovery.
