Developments in Eastern and Northwestern Colorado, 1973

Abstract

Exploratory and development wells drilled in eastern and northwestern Colorado in 1973 were down 31% from 1972, but the success ratio remained essentially the same. Exploratory drilling was down 8.2% whereas development drilling decreased 47.8%. An overall decrease in drilling activity in the Denver basin is the primary reason for the reduction in total drilling activities. During 1973, 382 exploratory tests were drilled in Colorado and, of these, 27 found oil and 29 found gas. Development drilling was highlighted by extensive development programs in the Wattenberg, Spindle, Surrey, and Singletree oil and gas fields and a strong infield program in Rangely field. An increase in development and exploratory drilling is anticipated for 1974.