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North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36 with Turnover in Burke County - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 36 with Turnover in Burke County

Formentera adds a rig as Silver Hill removes one, while Burlington Resources moves a rig within Dunn County.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota held steady at 36 on Thursday, October 15, 2026, according to live rig data. The count reflects a net change of one new rig and one removal, maintaining the state's recent upward trend from 34 rigs one week ago and 33 rigs one month prior.

The day's activity centered on Burke County in the northwest region of the Bakken formation. Formentera Operations, LLC, added the NABORS B23 rig to a location in Township 162 North, Range 94 West, Section 25. That addition was offset by the removal of the NABORS B27 rig, which had been operating for Silver Hill Energy Operating, LLC, at 159-93-20 in the same county.

The only rig relocation reported for the day was by Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company LP. The company moved its NABORS b20 rig to a new site in Dunn County, specifically Township 145 North, Range 96 West, Section 12. Rigs moving between pads within a county is a common operational practice to efficiently develop multi-well units.

The current rig count of 36 represents a gain of two rigs compared to the level reported on October 8, 2026, and is three rigs higher than the count from September 15, 2026. This consistent, gradual increase over the past month suggests sustained, moderate drilling activity by operators in the Williston Basin.

Rig count is a leading indicator of future oil production in the Bakken, as new wells typically take several months to drill, complete, and tie into pipelines. A stable or rising count points to continued investment in the play, which supports regional employment, service company activity, and state tax revenues.

While the overall count was unchanged, the specific operator movements highlight the dynamic nature of field operations. Companies routinely adjust their drilling programs based on well results, capital allocation, and lease obligations. The activity in Burke and Dunn Counties remains a core part of the Bakken's development, which is North Dakota's primary oil-producing region.

Source

Bakken Wire Live Rig Data

rig countdrilling activitybakken formationwilliston basinburke countydunn countyformentera operationssilver hill energyburlington resources

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