Two scientists have conducted a recent assessment of a distant waterfall, indicating that the rarely explored 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 suggest a height of 16 meters, slightly surpassing the 14-meter height of Kwasitchewan Falls, which is widely recognized as Manitoba’s tallest waterfall. Olson, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia specializing in photogrammetry, expressed confidence in their measurement accuracy, stating a margin of error of plus or minus one meter.
Although Kapakaytay Falls was previously measured by the federal government decades ago and indicated on topographical maps as 58 feet (approximately 17 meters), this information was not widely circulated. Martin, a Winnipeg resident and a PhD student in ecology at the University of Oxford, highlighted the lack of widespread acknowledgment of this height, prompting their investigation to confirm if it is indeed the tallest waterfall in Manitoba.
Located on the Odei River about 40 kilometers northwest of Thompson, Manitoba, and 690 kilometers north of Winnipeg, the falls pose significant accessibility challenges due to their remote location. Martin described the waterfall as “very inaccessible,” emphasizing the demanding journey that required meticulous planning, whitewater proficiency, and wilderness experience.
Embarking on a paddling expedition in July, Olson and Martin navigated through wildfire-affected forests, challenging river terrains, rapids, and logjams to reach the waterfall site. With the assistance of local guides from the Thompson area, they completed a 105-kilometer round trip to document the falls. The researchers were captivated by the grandeur of Kapakaytay Falls upon their first glimpse, noting the impressive scale and water volume flowing over the rocks.
Inspired by a 2019 trip led by Winnipegger Garrett Fache, who ventured to view the waterfall with two companions, Olson and Martin employed digital photogrammetry, using over 1,000 images captured with a drone to reconstruct and measure the waterfall. Laser measurements were also taken of surrounding trees and natural features to enhance their model accuracy. Their analysis indicates a possible height of around 16 meters for Kapakaytay Falls, surpassing Pisew Falls at 13 meters and Kwasitchewan Falls at 14 meters, which is commonly regarded as the tallest in Manitoba.
Olson and Martin are currently working on publishing their research and aspire to contribute to further exploration and documentation of Kapakaytay Falls. Their endeavor signifies the significance of uncovering and preserving such remote natural wonders, shedding light on previously overlooked sites for future study and appreciation.
