Two scientists have conducted a new assessment of a remote waterfall, indicating that the rarely-visited falls in the rugged boreal shield of northern Manitoba might 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 commonly regarded as Manitoba’s tallest 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 around one meter. Although Kapakaytay Falls was previously measured by the federal government decades ago and listed on topographical maps as 58 feet (approximately 17 meters), this information was not widely disseminated. Martin, a Winnipeg resident and ecology PhD student at the University of Oxford, mentioned their interest in verifying if Kapakaytay Falls holds the title of Manitoba’s tallest due to the lack of established height information.
Situated on the Odei River, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Thompson and 690 kilometers north of Winnipeg, Kapakaytay Falls poses a challenge to access, as described by Martin. The researchers embarked on a paddling journey in July, requiring meticulous planning, whitewater proficiency, and wilderness expertise due to the remote and rugged terrain surrounding the waterfall. Despite facing obstacles such as rapids and logjams along the river, Olson and Martin, with the assistance of local guides, completed a 105-kilometer round trip to reach the waterfall.
Upon sighting Kapakaytay Falls after days of paddling, both researchers were captivated by its grandeur and the powerful flow of water cascading over the rocks. The challenging expedition to reach the falls left them physically exhausted but gratified by the experience. The inspiration for their journey stemmed from a previous trip in 2019 led by Winnipeg’s Garrett Fache, who had speculated about the height and appearance of the waterfall before confirming its impressive size in person.
Using digital photogrammetry and laser measurements, Olson and Martin reconstructed and evaluated the waterfall, indicating a potential height of 16 meters, which surpasses Pisew Falls’ 13 meters and Kwasitchewan Falls’ 14 meters. Their ongoing efforts to publish their research aim to contribute to further exploration and documentation of Kapakaytay Falls, highlighting the significance of uncovering and preserving remote natural wonders.