Drilling activity in the West Coast region in 1985 maintained the brisk 1984 level, the number of wells drilled decreasing by only 2%. Exploration efforts continued at the pace of the previous year with 265 exploratory wells drilled in 1985, 4 less than in 1984.

Exploration offshore California continued to decline as development plans progressed for the nearly 2 billion bbl of oil discovered in recent years. Three new platforms were launched in 1985, and 13 others are planned for the Santa Maria and Santa Barbara Channel offshore areas. The Monterey Formation continued to be a hot exploration target, with 4 of the 12 exploratory wells drilled in 1985 each testing combined rates of more than 3,700 b/d of 8-16° oil. Enhanced recovery techniques for low-gravity crude are partly responsible for the success of the recent testing.

Onshore California exploratory activity increased slightly, with 229 wells drilled in 1985 compared to 223 in 1984. The San Joaquin basin had the most significant find in over a decade. The Channel Exploration 63X-30 Tenneco-San Emidio was completed in Stevens sand for 2,064 BOPD and 405 MCFGD.

Drilling in Oregon and Washington continued its active trend with 25 wells drilled in the 2 states in 1985, 5 more than 1984. Activity centered in Oregon's Mist field, with 16 wells resulting in 6 new pools and 1 field extension.

Geothermal activity in California decreased slightly, with 62 wells drilled in 1985 compared to 76 in 1984. Activity was concentrated at The Geysers field as 3 more plants were brought on line. The Imperial Valley also saw significant activity when 3 new power plants went into operation.