North Dakota rig count dips to 33 with one rig released

North Dakota's active drilling rig count fell to 33 on Saturday, October 10, 2026, down by one rig from the previous day, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. No new rigs were added and none moved locations.

The sole rig removed from the count was the NABORS X25, operated by Slawson Exploration Company, Inc. It was released from its location at 148-100-1 in McKenzie County, the core of the Bakken formation.

The current count of 33 rigs represents a decrease of two rigs compared to one week ago, when 35 rigs were active on October 3. The count also shows a two-rig decline from the level seen one month ago on September 10, which also stood at 35 active rigs.

The rig count is a key leading indicator for future oil production in the Williston Basin. A stable or increasing count typically signals operator confidence and planned drilling activity, while declines can suggest a pullback in capital spending or a shift in operational focus. The current level of 33 rigs remains sufficient to maintain production, though sustained decreases over time could impact output.

McKenzie County, where the rig was released, consistently ranks as North Dakota's top oil-producing county. Activity there is closely watched as a barometer for the entire Bakken play. The release of a rig by an established operator like Slawson Exploration is a routine part of the drilling cycle, as companies complete wells and move equipment.

The broader trend shows the state's drilling activity has softened slightly over the past month, holding in the low-to-mid 30s. This range is consistent with recent years, where rig counts have fluctuated based on commodity prices, service costs, and corporate drilling budgets. For Bakken operators and service companies, the current count suggests a measured pace of development.