Embodiments described herein provide for linking retention parameters that affect data retention in flash to data stored in the flash. One embodiment includes a flash memory and a controller. The controller receives a plurality of write requests from a host, and stores data for the write request in flash pages of the flash memory along with indicators. The controller identifies at least one retention parameter that affects data retention of the stored data, and adds one or more of the indicators to an entry in a journal along with the at least one retention parameter. In response to determining that a data refresh is warranted based on the at least one retention parameter, the controller identifies the one or more indicators associated with the at least one retention parameter in the entry, locates the stored data corresponding to the one or more indicators, and refreshes the stored data.