The number of wells started in the Williston Basin was down slightly from 751 wells in the third quarter to 737 wells in the fourth quarter.

Also read:Bakken & Three Forks Well Spuds Set Record in Q3

Baker Hughes also reported a drop in the average rig count during the quarter from 183 to 180 across the basin from quarter to quarter.

Drilling efficiency or the number of wells drilled by each rig held flat at 4.09 per rig.

Watch for the above drilling metrics to be impacted negatively over the coming months of winter. Harsh weather makes drilling efficiency targets hard to achieve.