Two researchers have conducted a new measurement on a remote waterfall, indicating that the lesser-explored falls in the rough boreal shield of northern Manitoba may be the highest 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 exceeding the 14-meter height of Kwasitchewan Falls near Thompson, which is widely recognized as Manitoba’s tallest waterfall.
Olson, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia specializing in photogrammetry, expressed confidence in the measurement accuracy, with a margin of error of one meter. Kapakaytay Falls was previously measured by the federal government, with topographical maps listing a height of 58 feet (approximately 17 meters), although this information was not widely disseminated, mentioned Martin, a Winnipeg resident and Ph.D. student in ecology at the University of Oxford.
Due to the lack of widespread acknowledgment of Kapakaytay Falls’ height, 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, reaching the falls proved to be a challenging task. The researchers embarked on a paddling expedition in July, requiring meticulous planning, whitewater expertise, and wilderness knowledge to navigate the river’s demanding conditions.
After a strenuous 105-kilometer journey and with the assistance of local guides, Olson and Martin were greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of Kapakaytay Falls. The grandeur of the waterfall and the powerful flow of water over the rocks left a lasting impression on the researchers. The expedition was inspired by a previous visit to the falls by Winnipegger Garrett Fache in June 2019, who suspected it might be Manitoba’s tallest waterfall after examining topographic maps and visiting the site in person.
Using over 1,000 two-dimensional images captured by a drone, Olson and Martin employed digital photogrammetry to reconstruct and measure the waterfall. They also conducted laser measurements of the surrounding trees and natural features to enhance their model. The researchers’ preliminary results suggest Kapakaytay Falls stands at approximately 16 meters, surpassing Pisew Falls’ 13 meters and the widely acknowledged 14-meter height of Kwasitchewan Falls.
The researchers are currently working on publishing their findings and hope that their documentation of Kapakaytay Falls will contribute to future research on the site. Despite the perception that the world is thoroughly mapped, Martin emphasized that there are still opportunities for exploration and documentation.