Two scientists have conducted a new measurement of a remote waterfall, indicating that the rarely-explored falls in the rugged boreal shield of northern Manitoba could potentially be the tallest in the province. Through digital photogrammetry, Alexander Martin and Lukas Olson assessed Kapakaytay Falls on the Odei River, revealing a height of approximately 16 meters. This measurement slightly surpasses the 14-meter height of Kwasitchewan Falls, located southwest of Thompson, a waterfall widely recognized as Manitoba’s tallest.

Olson, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of British Columbia specializing in photogrammetry, expressed confidence in the accuracy of their findings, with a margin of error of around one meter. Despite being previously measured by the federal government decades ago and recorded as 58 feet on topographical maps (approximately 17 meters), this information was not extensively circulated, according to Martin, a Winnipeg resident and Ph.D. student in ecology at the University of Oxford.

The remote location of Kapakaytay Falls, situated approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Thompson and 690 kilometers north of Winnipeg on the Odei River, posed significant challenges for the researchers. The expedition, which involved paddling through wildfire-affected forests with rough river conditions, required meticulous planning, whitewater expertise, and wilderness experience.

Olson and Martin embarked on a demanding 105-kilometer round trip, with assistance from local guides in the Thompson area, to reach the waterfall. Upon finally encountering the falls after days of paddling, they were struck by its impressive size and the powerful flow of water over the rocks. The journey was physically demanding, but the researchers found fulfillment in documenting this remote natural wonder.

Using over 1,000 two-dimensional images captured by a drone, Olson and Martin employed digital photogrammetry techniques to reconstruct and measure the waterfall. Laser measurements of surrounding trees and natural features were also integrated into their analysis. Their modeling work suggested a height closer to 52 feet, deviating from the previously recorded 58 feet and potentially surpassing the 46-foot height of Manitoba’s currently recognized tallest waterfall, Kwasitchewan Falls.

While the province’s data late Friday affirmed Kwasitchewan Falls as the highest, the exact height of Kapakaytay Falls in official records remained uncertain. Olson and Martin are now focused on publishing their research findings and aspire to contribute to future studies of this unique site. The researchers believe that despite extensive mapping efforts globally, there are still unexplored opportunities for documenting and understanding natural landmarks like Kapakaytay Falls in Manitoba.