A data storage system comprises, a storage device having segments that are configured to store data, and storage logic coupled to the storage device that manages storage of data on the storage device using a translation table. The storage logic is executable to receive a first marker as part of a backup request, generate a second marker encapsulating a state of the storage device at a second time, calculate a difference between the first marker and the second marker, and generate a backup of data stored in the storage device based on the calculated difference between the first marker and the second marker. A garbage collection (GC) barrier may be set based on serial numbers associated with backup segments, and the garbage collection barrier may be incrementally released by releasing the garbage collection barrier for each segment after the segment has been backed up. The storage logic may also record the deletion of a storage unit from the storage device in a deletion table, and retire deleted storage mappings in the deletion table responsive to generating the backup.