A method for execution by a dispersed storage and task (DST) processing unit includes generating a request for mapping parameters for transmission a storage unit in a dispersed storage network (DSN) and receiving mapping parameter data in response. Namespace mapping data is generated, indicating a mapping of possible slice names to a plurality of memory devices of the storage unit by performing a first deterministic mapping function based on the mapping parameter data. Slice name subset data is generated, indicating a subset of the possible slice names based on a health status indicators corresponding to the plurality of memory devices. A slice name corresponding to a first encoded slice of a first data object is selected from the subset indicated by the slice name subset data. A first write request that includes the first encoded slice is generated for transmission via the network to the storage unit.