The first spring storm in Southwest Colorado brought snow to the high country and rain to lower elevations around Durango on Thursday and early Friday.

The northern San Juan Mountains received steady snowfall from 6 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday, with 20 inches of new snow on Red Mountain Pass and more than a foot in several other areas, according to the Grand Junction office of the National Weather Service. Chain laws were in effect on Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain passes until about 1 p.m. Friday.

Snowfall was a bit lighter farther south, with about 11 inches on Potato (known as Spud) Mountain.

Avalanche danger in the northern San Juan Mountains was considerable near and above timberline Friday and is expected to decrease to moderate today, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The southern section of the range reported moderate avalanche danger for today.

Rainfall in Durango totaled 0.24 of an inch, the weather service said.

Active weather patterns typical for the spring in Southwest Colorado can be expected in the coming week, the weather service said.

The forecast shows another storm, smaller and faster-moving than the last, should bring precipitation to the area from today to Sunday evening.

Snowfall from 4 to 6 inches is predicted for elevations above 9,000 feet, and rain is expected at lower elevations around Durango.

fstone@durangoherald.com