Back-reef sediments of the Snipe Lake reef complex accumulated as repetitive, prograding sequences characterized by frequent subaerial exposure. The type sedimentary cycle consists of a thin, transgressive grainstone at the base succeeded by shallow subtidal Amphipora floatstones, intertidal Stachyodes rudstones, and fenestral limestones. The cycle is terminated by a discontinuity surface associated with thin micritic laminated crusts (caliche), brecciation, oxidation rims, crystal silt, pendulous microstalactitic cements, and possible soil horizons. Extensive dissolution terminates some cycles. Dissolution is represented by erosion surfaces, section removal, and thin residual layers of green calcareous or dolomitic shale. The green shale is associated with limestone breccias and the formation of microkarst topography.

Microstalactitic cements are rich in inclusions, have a radial fibrous crystal shape, are frequently laminated, and are closely associated with thin, irregular micritic layers. Cements of this type were precipitated in fenestral, shelter, interparticle and dissolution porosity. Isopachous rim cements are fibrous, bladed or equant in crystal shape, are inclusion-rich, and were precipitated as early cements in shoreline rudite deposits and in fenestral limestone forming beach-rock. Secondary dissolution, sediment infill, and bored surfaces are common features of the beach-rock developments. Later coarsely crystalline, iron-rich calcite cements partly or completely fill remaining porosity. Coarsely crystalline dolomite with curved crystal lattices frequently replaces the equant calcite mosaics.

Detailed analysis of the distribution of diagenetic features within the sedimentary facies of each cycle allows the development of a model for vadose and phreatic cementation within the back-reef environments.