Sinkhole lakes can be delineated into a progressive sequence of lake formation based on geomorphic types (Sinkhole Lake). The progression begins with the initial collapse, forming a sinkhole. The depression may be open or, if a portion of the depression is below the water table, it may be filled with water. As sediments are washed into the depression, the sinkhole becomes plugged. The process continues until the sinkhole is buried.

Lake Magnolia is used as the type description for transitional phase or middle-age lakes. When the lake becomes partially or completely plugged, the lake begins to develop a shallower and flatter bottom. During this phase, the plug may be flushed into the karst (fractures and solution pipes), allowing the sinkhole to reactivate and revert to an active subsidence phase. This may occur several times until sediment accumulates faster than dissolution of the underlying limestone.