Southern Rockies: Eastern and Northwestern Colorado

Abstract

Exploratory drilling in eastern and northwestern Colorado closely paralleled that of 1979. Success factors, however, were higher, partially due to a greater number of marginal well completions following the increase in oil prices. Thirty-seven percent more exploratory wells were completed in 1980 than in 1979. Statewide exploratory success was 28.8% and the development well success rate was 78.3%, compared to 20.8% and 73.4%, respectively, in 1979. Cretaceous sandstones remained the primary target in northwestern and central Colorado. Shallow Niobrara gas provided the main play in eastern Colorado. Southeastern Colorado was the site of significant exploration and development drilling in Pennsylvanian Morrow trends.