Developments in West Coast Area in 1972

Abstract

Exploratory activity in Washington increased substantially and was concentrated in the Puget Sound area where 4 unsuccessful wells were drilled. No well was drilled in Oregon, but there was leasing activity in central and eastern areas of the state and drilling is likely in 1973. Exploratory drilling in California declined to the lowest level in 30 years with only 186 wells completed, and for the first time new-field wildcats drilled primarily to find gas outnumbered those drilled to find oil. Nine gas discoveries included 3 important new fields. Seventeen oil discoveries included 2 new fields of undetermined significance. However total credited additions to crude reserves were only 56.2% of 1972 production. Development drilling declined, as did production of both oil and gas. Effort to discover and exploit geothermal energy in the West Coast states continued at a high level, with both industry and public agencies participating. However, prospect drilling was restricted to California where in 3 areas 30 wells were drilled in 1972.