Developments in Wyoming and Idaho in 1953

Exploratory and development drilling and geophysical activity all showed notable increases in Wyoming during 1953. Total exploratory footage drilled was 1,267,885 feet, an average of 4,876 feet for each of the 260 exploratory tests. Thirteen new oil fields and two new gas fields were discovered by 146 new-field wildcats, a success ratio of 10.3%; five of these discoveries appear to have significance. In all, 719 development wells were drilled, resulting in 634 producers for a success ratio of 87.8%. Annual production of crude oil was up 18% to a total of 82,535,844 barrels, largely due to the additional outlet provided by the recently completed Platte pipe line. Exploration activity was evenly distributed, with a notable increase in leasing and geophysical effort in southwestern Wyoming.