Waterfall Type: Washboard Waterfall
Washboard waterfalls are a variation on Step Waterfalls. The main difference is that the rock layers are very thin. This gives a steep "ramp-like" appearance.
The lack of a resistant caprock prevents the formation of a vertical falls. This is because there is no caprock to protect the soft rocks underneath. These waterfalls almost always form where the rock is shale.
Remember, some waterfalls have elements of more than one type. Kakabeka Falls actually has elements of a washboard waterfall, even though it does have caprock.
Previous versions of this website and the book used the term "Ramp Waterfall". I switched to "Washboard" because I felt that ramp could be confused with Slide waterfalls.
There aren't many washboard falls. They are most common along the Niagara Escarpment where the river has already eroded right through the overlying limestone or dolostone caprock. They can also be found around Thunder Bay.
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