While approaching PM from Twin Lakes Pass, while nearing the peak, we stayed close the ridge as much as possible. While cautiously venturing further towards the face one at a time to test stability, we saw cracking and heard whoomping as the new snow impacted the persistent weak layer. We decided to transition and head down staying close to the ridge and trees. While this northwest face of PM is always suspect after storms, we were suprised to see how close to the ridge the instability persisted.