Oil and Gas Developments in Utah and Nevada in 1960

Abstract

Exploratory drilling in Utah increased during 1960. Number of wells drilled was up 23% and footage drilled increased 30.4%. Success ratio for exploratory wells was 24.8%, up 12.6% from the previous year. Probably the most significant exploratory activity in Utah during 1960 was the completion of the Pure's Northwest Lisbon No. 1 Devonian oil discovery which opened a new pay zone for the Eastern Paradox basin and revived interest in the Mississippian. Geophysical activity showed a slight decrease for the second consecutive year. Federal lands under lease in Utah increased more than 500,000 acres during 1960. New leasing in Utah was within the hinge-line zone between the Great basin and the Colorado plateaus. Nevada experienced a revival of large-scale leasing during 1960, particularly in White Pine County. With the major oil fields nearing full development, development drilling accounted for only 117 wells, a decline of 43%. Success ratio for development drilling was 83.6%, down 6.4% from the 1959 record year. Production was down 5.9%, due to the conservation measures passed by the Utah Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Exploratory drilling in Nevada was negligible as only 4 shallow, unsuccessful tests were completed during the year. The outlook for 1961 is for increased drilling activity in the Uinta basin, Eastern Paradox basin, and the Book Cliffs area of Utah.