1 Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333- 56961) of Brigham Exploration Company and in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-70137) of Brigham Exploration Company of our report dated March 30, 1999, which appears on page F-1 of this Form 10-K of Brigham Exploration Company. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP Houston, Texas March 30, 1999