Two researchers have conducted a new assessment of a remote waterfall, indicating that the rarely visited 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, located southwest of Thompson, 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 the measurement, with a margin of error of one meter.
Although Kapakaytay Falls was previously measured by the federal government, the data has not been widely disseminated due to its status as an unconventional height. Thus, Martin, a Winnipegger and PhD student in ecology at the University of Oxford, along with Olson, were intrigued to ascertain if this waterfall holds the title of Manitoba’s tallest. Situated on the Odei River, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Thompson and 690 kilometers north of Winnipeg, the falls present a challenging journey for visitors due to their remote location.
Embarking on a paddling expedition in July, Martin and Olson navigated through wildfire-affected forests and challenging river terrains to reach the waterfall. The arduous 105-kilometer round trip was made possible with the assistance of local guides from the Thompson area. Upon reaching the site, the researchers were captivated by the majestic sight of the waterfall, emphasizing its sheer size and the mesmerizing flow of water over the rocks.
Inspired by a previous expedition in 2019 led by Winnipegger Garrett Fache, Olson and Martin used advanced technology, including drone-captured images and laser measurements, to reconstruct and measure Kapakaytay Falls. Their analysis suggests a height of about 16 meters, potentially surpassing other notable waterfalls in the region, such as Pisew Falls and Kwasitchewan Falls. The researchers are currently working towards publishing their research findings and hope that their documentation will contribute to further exploration and understanding of this remote natural wonder.