@Chad – I’m right there with you, buddy. I’ve added the code that @Phlux0r provided, both to my child theme and the actual buddypress theme. I’ve disabled all other plugins, tested on multiple browsers, and had other people try from their computers. Nobody can successfully change their avatar on my site. But the files are being uploaded, as they are visible via my FTP client. The image just never appears in the cropping stage.
Here is the link to my site, which hasn’t gone live yet: http://outgoinggames.com/
It’s very possible there is a JS conflict between plugins, but it’s less likely there is a conflict in the core WordPress files (though not impossible.)
Since the cropper tool relies on JavaScript entirely to function, it will fail without any real degradation if there’s a JS error or the user has JavaScript disabled. The first scenario is more likely to upset people, as if someone specifically has disabled JavsScript in their browser, they’re probably used to getting jipped on their web experience. 
I’m going to link this topic to…
https://buddypress.org/forums/topic/avatar-upload-issues?replies=1#post-28737
…but I’m keeping it open for now, since it seems to be a little different than the above link.
I figured my problem out. The front-end editor plugin, when the edit site name and description functions are activated (which they are by default), the header is duplicated, which loaded the crop js twice. Disable that or switch to inline editor and everything is fine.
I do not know if the NextGen Gallery plugin modifies the wp_sitemeta table. I suggest that you disable the plugin and see if the issue goes away.
If you are running a newer version of WPMU than is currently supported by NextGen Gallery, you could have issues.
Also, I do know that there are some issues running BP with the NextGen Gallery plugin–with avatar cropping. It’s possible that is could be causing other issues as well. Contact the developers of that plugin and ask for their help and whether or not they plan to support BuddyPress.
I should add, of course, that non-cropped images aren’t a possibility with the avatars per se — the avatars require cropping.
And some images seem not to be getting uploaded at all. I’m guessing the ones that I’m seeing in the directory were the ones initially uploaded when someone first created a user or group?
Is there no way to disable the cropping routine? Or to delete an image once it’s been added to a reference?
Hi, i disabled NextGen. But the avatar problem happened even before I installed NextGen.
When i fist installed WPMU and BP my avatars work great. Then after a while it had some problems. Then now is ok again. I think its the plug-ins that make it unstable.
I installed my plug-ins at the WP plugin folder and not the mu-pluins. Is there a diference?
Avatar is working great now! Check my site http://www.modelsorg.com Now I have a problem with the thumbnails.
Happy new year!!!
