Williston

Commentary

Recompletions continue to drive activity, especially on the US side, where federal policy is supportive. North of the border, federal policy has turned towards supporting oil & gas, although regulatory timelines and US tariffs remain risks. Outlook: Neutral.

Updated

October 12, 2026

Location

Description

The WLSB is a structural-sedimentary intracratonic basin located on the western shelf of the Palaeozoic North American craton. The WLSB occupies a large segment of the northern Great Plains and extends northward into Canada. The Basin region is a generally flat lying, moderately dissected flat plain. The Basin is bordered on the east and southeast by the Canadian Shield and the Sioux Uplift. The western and southwestern borders are defined by the Black Hills Uplift, Miles City Arch, Porcupine Dome, and Bowdoin Dome.

Summary

There has been a significant amount of activity in the Basin to date, with recompletions continuing to drive growth, especially on the US side. North of the border, development has been slower and activity lower, but prospectivity remains.