Facebook GroupUmbata Falls was a large, impressive waterfall that has been recently heavily modified for hydroelectric power. Photos of the falls prior to construction are rare. With a total drop here of about 34 m, the falls would have been at least a 4 star site, possibly 5. I've reduced it to 3 given that it isn't what it was.
The falls are located just a few kilometres east of the northern tip of Pukaskwa National Park. The impressive gorge carved by the White River remains, and a small flow is often still allowed over the falls. The best time to visit may be during spring freshet when flows are too much for the station to handle; the excess would spill over the falls.
The hydroelectric generating station was opened in 2008 and generates 23 MW. It was constructed as a run-of-the-river station, meaning that there is no large dam to create an impoundment pond. Thus, the plant relies solely on the amount of water flowing through the river; it has no backup supply during periods of low flow. The consequence is that when the river flow naturally declines during summer, all of the flow is diverted through the generating station.
This site is coded red because it is remote and there is no easy way to reach it. People have canoed the river for years, although it is certainly not a day trip for novice paddlers. You will note that a road appears to lead all the way to the site. In the past, the road was gated off. I don't have current information to show if this is still the case. Can you provide an update?
| Region | Northwest |
|---|---|
| County | Thunder Bay |
| Near | Hemlo |
| Watercourse | White River |
| Watershed / % Lakes | 4 / 23% |
| Ownership | Crown Land |
| Landscape | Wilderness |
| Size | Large |
| Type | Plunge |
| Modification | Hydroelectric generating station, Water Level Control Dam |
| Access | Very difficult |
| Top / Bottom | / |
| Trail conditions | Unknown, Extreme |
| Hiking Time | |
| Coordinates | 48.5375,-86.14 |
| Parking | 48.5375,-86.14  |
| Site ID | WOO.THU.115 |
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