Bakken Rig Count Holds at 23 as Two New Rigs Deploy in Mountrail County

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 23 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, according to live rig data reported to Bakken Wire. The total count saw no net change from the previous day despite the addition of two new rigs to the field.

Both of the new rigs deployed on Monday are operating in Mountrail County, a core production area of the Bakken formation. Silver Hill Energy Operating, LLC is running the NABORS B27 rig at location 158-94-35, while EOG RESOURCES, INC. has activated the H & P 259 rig at 152-90-2, the data shows. No rigs were reported as removed or moved locations.

The current rig level of 23 matches the count from one week ago, on May 5, 2026, indicating a period of short-term stability in drilling activity. However, compared to a month ago, the state's active rig fleet has contracted slightly. On April 12, 2026, North Dakota reported 24 active rigs, meaning the current count is down by one rig over that four-week period.

The stability in the rig count, particularly in the core Bakken region, suggests operators are maintaining a measured pace of development. The deployment of new rigs by both a private operator, Silver Hill Energy, and a major public company, EOG Resources, reflects continued investment in high-quality drilling inventory. Mountrail County has long been a focus for top-tier Bakken operators due to its prolific wells.

For Bakken producers and royalty owners, a steady rig count near current levels supports consistent near-term production forecasts. The rig count is a leading indicator of future oil and gas output from the formation. The current activity level, while down one rig from a month ago, remains sufficient to support production and offset well decline rates in the region.

The live data provides a snapshot of daily operational changes. The lack of rig removals or moves alongside the two additions suggests a straightforward expansion of drilling activity in specific areas without a broader shift in strategy across the play.