Development History of Bell Creek Field, Powder River County, Montana

The Bell Creek field, discovered in June, 1967, lies on the NE. flank of the Powder River Basin in the SE. corner of Powder River County, Mont. Oil accumulation is the result of stratigraphic entrapment in multiple bars developed offshore from a river delta deposit. The sand averages 18 to 20 ft in thickness and averages 27% porosity throughout most of the reservoir. Development has been rapid, with over 270 producing wells drilled since active development began in Aug. 1967. Drilling is rapid and relatively simple, as are completions. Initial potentials vary from less than 300 bopd to over 1,500 bopd and average about 450 bopd. Primary reserves will average 250,000 bbl/well or about 65 million bbl for the field. Secondary reserves should equal or exceed primary reserves. Four pipelines presently are taking over 40,000 bpd from the field with peak rate of 60,000 bpd expected by June 1968.