Two scientists have conducted a new assessment of a secluded waterfall, indicating that the lesser-known 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, located southwest of Thompson, which is widely believed to be the tallest waterfall in Manitoba. Olson, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia specializing in photogrammetry, expressed confidence in their measurement accuracy, within a margin of one meter.

Although Kapakaytay Falls was previously measured by the federal government decades ago and recorded at 58 feet on topographical maps, this information was not widely disseminated. Martin, a Winnipeg resident and PhD student in ecology at the University of Oxford, mentioned their interest in determining whether Kapakaytay Falls indeed holds the title of Manitoba’s tallest waterfall due to the lack of widespread awareness of its height.

Situated on the Odei River, around 40 kilometers northwest of Thompson and 690 kilometers north of Winnipeg, the falls are challenging to access, as described by Martin. The researchers embarked on a paddling expedition in July, requiring meticulous planning, whitewater expertise, and wilderness experience. Navigating through rapids and logjams along the river, which is flanked by wildfire-damaged forests, presented significant obstacles.

For Olson and Martin, the journey encompassed a 105-kilometer round trip, with local guides from the Thompson area facilitating their expedition. The awe-inspiring moment when they first laid eyes on the waterfall after days of paddling left them captivated by its grandeur and the immense water flow over the rocks. Olson reflected on the relief of finally reaching the site after enduring physical challenges throughout the expedition.

Inspired by a previous expedition in 2019 involving Winnipegger Garrett Fache, who is now the proprietor of Wild Loon Adventure Company, the researchers employed over 1,000 two-dimensional images captured by a drone for the digital photogrammetry process. They also conducted laser measurements of the surrounding trees and natural elements to enhance their model accuracy. Martin mentioned that their modeling work indicated a height closer to 52 feet for Kapakaytay Falls, compared to the 46-foot measurement of the currently recognized tallest waterfall in Manitoba.

Pisew Falls, located southwest of Thompson, stands at 13 meters, while Kwasitchewan Falls, commonly acknowledged as the tallest, has a height of 14 meters. The researchers’ preliminary assessment positions Kapakaytay Falls at approximately 16 meters, a discovery that brought satisfaction to Olson.

The provincial government, in a late Friday statement, asserted that its data confirms Kwasitchewan Falls as the highest waterfall. Whether Kapakaytay’s height has been documented in the province’s data remains uncertain. Olson and Martin are now focused on publishing their research, aiming to contribute to future studies of the falls. Martin emphasized the significance of exploring and documenting even in an era where much of the world is mapped.