1.   Although the river was shallow and calm, rescuers were hindered by the steep banks, which forced them to use ropes to descend to the waterside.

2.   Fears that the structure would collapse hindered rescuers.

3.   Rescuers were hindered by rain, thick mud and patchy snow on the back roads of the Ponderosa pine forest south of the canyon.

4.   Snow covering a dirt road leading to the accident site hindered rescuers.

5.   The same storm has hindered rescuers.

6.   The same storm hindered rescuers.

7.   Thick clouds and rain squalls obscured the crash area offshore, but the U.S. Coast Guard said the rain did not seriously hinder rescuers.