Methods and associated structures for utilizing write-back cache management modes for local cache memory of disk drives coupled to a storage controller while maintaining data integrity of the data transferred to the local cache memories of affected disk drives. In one aspect hereof, a state machine model of managing cache blocks in a storage controller cache memory maintains blocks in the storage controller's cache memory in a new state until verification is sensed that the blocks have been successfully stored on the persistent storage media of the affected disk drives. Responsive to failure or other reset of the disk drive, the written cache blocks may be re-written from the copy maintained in the cache memory of the storage controller. In another aspect, an alternate controller's cache memory may also be used to mirror the cache blocks from the primary storage controller's cache memory as additional data integrity assurance.