An annular seal is provided for use in a turbomachine. The annular seal may form a generally rectangular cross-section and may include an outer radial surface forming an outer sealing surface and defining at least one annular groove and a plurality of slots spaced circumferentially about the outer radial surface. Each slot may have an end terminating in the at least one annular groove. The annular seal may also include a first axial sidewall forming a sidewall sealing surface and a recessed portion and a second axial sidewall opposing the first axial sidewall. At least one annular groove and the plurality of slots may be configured to maintain a low pressure environment across at least a portion of the outer radial surface. The second axial sidewall, the recessed portion, and the inner radial surface may be configured to maintain a high pressure environment there across during operation of the turbomachine.