World's Largest Waterfalls
By Average Volume, excluding Rapids
This list comprises of the waterfalls we have recorded which are known to occur along a point in their watercourse where the stream is known to have an average discharge rate of at least 5,000 cubic feet per second, but excluding entries which have been identified as Rapids or not truly Waterfalls. The waterfalls on this list are those for which we have definitive information for, and should not be assumed to be a complete list of waterfalls which would otherwise qualify as globally significant based on this metric. As we add more information to the database, this list will grow.Search returned 44 results.
Key
 |
CatalogedWaterfalls which are Cataloged we have visited and surveyed in person. Statistical information should be quite accurate (for the most part), and exact measurements will often be available (information is not guaranteed to always be up to date). Detailed information, directions, and photographs will almost always be available. |
 |
ConfirmedConfirmed Waterfalls are known to exist, should be relatively accurately mapped and geotagged, and the statistical information available will often be dependable. If height information is presented, it may be estimated but should be accurate. Directions will not likely be available. |
 |
UnconfirmedUnconfirmed Waterfalls are often marked on a published map, but we have yet to confirm the exact location and / or whether or not its stature is significant enough to qualify for listing in the database. Statistical information may be estimated and may be inaccurate. No directions. |
 |
UnknownWaterfalls marked as Unknown are either suspected to exist based on heresay or a hunch, or we have received unverified information suggesting a waterfall may exist near the location provided but cannot corroborate it in any way. Geodata may not be accurate, the location may not be known at all, and statistical information will be estimated and highly inaccurate. |
 |
InundatedInundated Waterfalls have been submerged beneath lakes or reservoirs, usually a result of impoundment of a river behind a dam, and most often no longer functionally exist (there may be rare exceptions). We maintain records for these features out of historical importance. |
 |
SubterraneanThough not common, some waterfalls can be found entirely underground within cave systems. Access to subterranean waterfalls can vary from easy via developed walkways to requiring a high level of extremely technical spelunking skill, including familiarity with ropework and a distinct lack of claustrophobia. |
 |
DisqualifiedWaterfalls which have been marked as Disqualified do not have the necessary stature or features to qualify as a legitimate waterfall according to our criteria. We will maintain records for entries with this status where the feature is well known and / or may have been historically referred to as a waterfall at some point in time. |
 |
PostedPosted Waterfalls are known to exist, and we may have a large amount of information associated with them, but are located on private property and are not legally accessible to the general public. Accessing waterfalls with this status should not be attempted without first being explicitly granted permission of the property owner. |
Waterfall
Volume
Watercourse
Location
600,000
cu ft / sec
16,990
cu m / sec
Lualaba River
Orientale,
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
14.
Virginia Falls
35,300
cu ft / sec
1,000
cu m / sec
South Nahanni River
Northwest Territories,
Canada