Fracking in the Bakken -- How Long To Frac? How Bad Is the Backlog? -- WLL 2Q11 Results Shed Light

From Whiting's 2Q11 financial and operating results:

[Whiting] currently [has] two full-time dedicated frac crews and one half-time frac crew working in the Williston Basin and believe they are capable of fracing approximately 18 to 20 wells per month between now and year-end 2011. Therefore, [WLL expects] to reduce [their] current 44-well inventory of operated wells waiting on completion to below 25 by November 30, 2011. Based on [their] current drilling rig count of 17 rigs working in the Williston Basin, 20 to 25 wells being prepared for completion represents a typical inventory [for Whiting].

2.5 crews --> 20 wells/month --> about 8 completions/frac team/month
17 rigs result in inventory of 25 wells/month waiting to be fracked

I interpret that to mean if there are no disruptions to the schedule (particularly weather), WLL's dedicated frac crews can keep with completed wells. Drilling one well/month, 17 rigs results in about 17 rigs/month, and the 2.5 teams can frac up to 20 wells/month.

By the end of the year, WLL expects to be back on track after a horrendous winter and spring earlier this year.