Sandia Crest would dwarf world's tallest tower

[Rosyfinch]

From the Albuquerque Journal
http://www.abqjournal.com/paperboy/text/biz/112158505926biz01-11-10.htm

Monday, January 11, 2010

Sandia Crest would dwarf world's tallest tower
Journal Staff Report

              The tallest building in the world opened last week as the latest example of mankind's "edifice complex."

            The Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai is just over a half-mile tall at 2,717 feet. The Burj Khalifa is so huge, it would be out of scale no matter where it was built.

            What if the Burj Khalifa was plopped down in Downtown Albuquerque?

            The tower in Dubai is almost eight times taller than the Duke City's loftiest building, the 351-foot Albuquerque Plaza in Downtown.

            If the 2,717-foot tower was built next to Albuquerque Plaza in Downtown, elevation about 5,000 feet, then the view from its rooftop would be on a par with that of hikers about a quarter of the way up La Luz Trail in the Sandia Mountains. The roof would be higher than the lower terminal of Sandia Peak Tramway, elevation 6,559 feet, and Elena Gallegos Picnic Area, elevation 6,500 feet.

            If the 2,717-foot tower was erected in the foothills on the site of the tram's lower terminal, its roof would be about 1,000 feet short of the upper terminal's 10,378-foot elevation. The best views of the metro area and beyond would still be from Sandia Crest at 10,678 feet.

            Commonly built in flat areas like a coastline and plain, super skyscrapers are coveted real estate because of the views they afford to occupants. Residential condo prices in Burj Khalifa were $2,700 a square foot at their peak in 2008, making the building the most expensive real estate in the world, but prices have since fallen by about half due to the effects of the global recession, according to media reports.
           

[Rosyfinch]

On a related topic-- note that it is too cold up there for ice to form! (The snow just cannot melt)

LA LUZ TRAIL REPORT--Winter, 2009--2010

Report #4

Date of report: January 11, 2010

La Luz trailhead to Chimney Canyon Spring (8200ft): This first 2.5 mile section of trail has numerous, and sometimes extensive, icy spots. These icy spots soften by late morning, but remain slippery even into late afternoon.

Chimney Canyon Spring to La Cueva Overlook (8900ft): The snow of previous storms has melted or packed to leave a trail with a combination of clear trail, mud, ice and packed snow.

La Cueva Overlook to 5 mile sign (9000ft): Here the trail is a combination of clear trail, packed snow and fairly serious icy spots.

5 mile sign to junction with Crest Spur trail (10100ft): This upper portion of La Luz trail (in La Cueva Canyon) is covered with snow depths ranging from 8 inches to wind-blown drifts that are 5 to 6 feet deep. The recent snow on the main La Luz trail is mostly unconsolidated and travel is slow. Many hikers are using a section of the old La Luz trail that is steeper but more compacted. The extreme cold will continue to prevent the formation of ice in this upper canyon.  [My emphasis]

La Luz trail to Upper Tram or Crest Spur to Crest : These upper trails have drifts which have the potential of becoming icy. Hiking poles and proper footwear, including ice walking accessories, may be necessary . Conditions change from morning to afternoon as the sun softens the snow and ice.

Remember, the days are short and the weather at the top can become extremely cold!

Be prepared!