A plurality of storage nodes is provided. Each of the plurality of storage nodes includes nonvolatile solid-state memory for user data storage. The plurality of storage nodes is configured to distribute the user data and metadata associated with the user data throughout the plurality of storage nodes such that the plurality of storage nodes maintain the ability to read the user data, using erasure coding, despite a loss of two of the plurality of storage nodes. The plurality of storage nodes is configured to initiate an action based on the redundant copies of the metadata, responsive to achieving a level of redundancy for the redundant copies of the metadata. A method for accessing user data in a plurality of storage nodes having nonvolatile solid-state memory is also provided.